Former Tuskegee Airman Speaks at Gant House

A former Air Force pilot brought history to life in Zanesville Sunday…

Tuskegee Airman John Nelson spoke at the Nelson T. Gant House Sunday afternoon, giving people a glimpse of his Air Force days. Nelson said his interest in flying happened unexpectedly.

"By the time I got to junior year, they put this big sign in the post office down in Cincinnati that, and I can recall today what it said. It said, "Young Men of 17", it was a finger pointing, "You Too Can Wear the Silver Wings," and I said ‘I’m going to have some of those’."

Nelson never fought in a war, but he was part of the infamous group that broke down the military’s color barrier. Nelson said he just loved flying and made some great memories while doing it.

"Flying…I like it today, I love it today. But you see, I was the kind of person who took chances… I had enough flying and I’m thankful that I was able to do it, but that was enough, no more."

Nelson was honorably discharged from service in 1946.