Tuskegee Airman Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse Honored for His 99th Birthday
At a grand celebration in Roxbury, Massachusetts, retired Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse marked his 99th birthday. Woodhouse, one of the few remaining members of the historic Tuskegee Airmen, was celebrated for his contributions and dedication during World War II. Despite the racial segregation he faced, his squadron played a crucial role in several key missions.
“Guys like Woody, they saved the world.”
These words from Robert Koch, the mayor of Roxbury, capture the significance of Woodhouse’s service. Koch elaborated on this sentiment to Boston 25 News, reflecting on the barriers broken by the Tuskegee Airmen.
Inspired to Serve
The attack on Pearl Harbor proved pivotal for Woodhouse and his family. Urged by their mother, both he and his brother enlisted in the military. At just 17, Woodhouse became part of the Army, eventually joining the Army Air Corps, while his brother went on to become one of the first Black Marines in the U.S.
Discussing the impact of Pearl Harbor, Woodhouse recalled, “My mother said to my brother and I, ‘America is at war. I want you boys to serve your country,” he said. “Imagine a Black woman telling all she had in the world, her two sons, to fight for America while we grew up seeing pictures of Black people being lynched and mistreated.”
Facing Discrimination
Woodhouse’s military journey saw him transferred to the 32nd Fighter Group, later known as the Tuskegee Airmen, where he served as a paymaster/finance officer. Despite his service accomplishments, racial discrimination remained a challenge. At Fort Robert E. Lee, Virginia, he faced segregation that kept him from dining with white officers.
Longtime friend Army Col. George A. Rollins shared, “He got there, and he was a lieutenant, and his whole class were all white Captains and Majors, and the first night he went to the o-club to eat, and they wouldn’t serve him.”
Despite these experiences, Woodhouse’s legacy expanded beyond his military service. In 2007, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush. More recently, he was promoted to brigadier general by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker.
A Life of Distinction
During the birthday festivities, Woodhouse reflected on his life and achievements with friends and family. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “Physically or biologically, it doesn’t mean much, but what’s up here (pointing to his head), and seeing family and friends.”
Active in various events across Massachusetts, Woodhouse continues to inspire. Maureen Byrne, from Miles for Military, highlighted his extraordinary journey from a young boy in Roxbury to a brigadier general, emphasizing the impressive scope of his lifetime achievements.
