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Ralph Orduna’s son, Philip Orduna Reis, discussed his father’s life and displayed some artifacts from his time at the Martin Bomber Plant and his service in the US Army Air Corps as a Tuskeegee Airman. You can find this and other…

This Congressional Gold Medal was presented to Ralph Orduna’s family by Congressman Lee Terry in 2006. The medals were awarded to all members of the Tuskeegee Airmen by the United States Congress, and issued by the United States Mint. The…

This photo shows fighter pilot Ralph Orduna in the cockpit of a training aircraft surrounded by other members of the 332 Fighter Group. Mr. Orduna’s son Philip informs us that he trained other pilots after earning his wings. Orduna was a 2nd…

This is a photo of Ralph Orduna (middle) at Martin Bomber Plant with fellow employees. Mr. Orduna went on to become a supervisor at the plant before enlisting in the US Army Air Corps. Martin Bomber Plant, which opened 1942, produced B-26 and B-29…

This photo shows Ralph Orduna receiving his wings, signifying his completion of flight school. He is pictured here with his sister, Maria, who is pinning his wings, and his father, Enrique. Orduna was part of the 301 Fighter Squadron of the 15th Air…

This photo shows Ralph Orduna being interviewed by a television journalist in Chicago at Midway Airport in 1981. Behind them is a P-51 Mustang fighter jet, the same kind of aircraft Orduna flew in combat during World War II. Mr. Orduna’s son…

A portrait of fighter pilot Ralph Orduna in uniform.Ralph Orduna was a fighter pilot in World War 2. He earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and was part of the "Tuskeegee Airmen". He was part of the 301 Fighter Squadron of the 15th Air Force's 332…