Shelby Westbrook Papers

First Lieutenant Shelby F. Westbrook was a Tuskegee Airman active during World War II. Westbrook was born in Marked Tree, Arkansas on January 15, 1922. He attended Libbey High School, an integrated high school, and graduated in 1939.

Westbrook enrolled in aviation cadet training at Tuskegee Army Air Field in March 1943, completing his pilot training in February 1944. He was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group. This was one of the first Black units formed by the Army Air Corps. His unit was sent to Italy in July 1944. As a combat pilot, Westbrook flew about 60 missions in over 12 countries in Europe. He was promoted to First Lieutenant and served in the 332nd Fighter Group from July 1944 to May 1945.

For his European service, Westbrook was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with five Clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation, the 15th Air Force Certificate of Valor, and five Battle Stars, as well as an air-to-air victory over a German Bf 109 fighter on October 4, 1944. In 2007, First Lieutenant Westbrook accepted a Congressional Gold Medal. On November 8, 2013, Westbrook was presented the French Legion of Honor, along with five other Chicago-area World War II veterans, for their "extraordinary bravery” in liberating France during World War II.

After his service, Westbrook was employed as an electrical engineer at W. R. Grace and Company. He also authored Tuskegee Airmen 1941-1945. He married Lulu Bell in 1952 and resided on the South Side of Chicago. Westbrook died on August 17, 2016.