LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A invoice within the Michigan Home of Representatives would rename a piece of freeway in Jackson County after a lacking Tuskegee Airman who grew up within the metropolis of Jackson.
Underneath the proposed invoice, the part of U.S.-127 between mile markers 39 and 40 close to the I-94 interchange could be named after 2nd. Lieutenant Roosevelt Stiger, a Tuskegee Airman and Purple Coronary heart recipient who stays unaccounted for.
“It is a real privilege to advocate on behalf of a true American hero,” mentioned State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, who represents Jackson County and launched the invoice. “2nd Lt. Stiger served our nation with braveness, broke obstacles, and gave his life preventing for freedom. This memorial is a small however significant approach we will guarantee his legacy lives on locally he as soon as known as residence.”
Schmaltz says Stiger was born in Tennessee in 1919 and moved to Jackson along with his household throughout his childhood. He educated as a pilot by means of the Tuskegee Aviation Cadet program. He graduated in 1944 and was deployed abroad with the 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group of the U.S. Military Air Forces.
Based on the Protection POW/MIA Accounting Company, on Oct. 7, 1944, Stiger was piloting one in all 68 fighters on a bomber escort mission over the Adriatic Sea. Round 10 minutes earlier than reaching land, Stiger reported his oxygen was low, and he and his flight chief flew all the way down to a decrease altitude, virtually colliding resulting from low visibility.
When Stiger gave the impression to be heading into the water, his flight lead ordered him to tug up. Inside seconds of the 2 planes turning into degree with one another, Stiger’s aircraft went right into a steep dive and crashed into the water.
After the crash, the flight chief tried to radio Stiger whereas circling the crash location, however couldn’t contact him. He was not recovered, and stays unaccounted for, memorialized on the Partitions of the Lacking on the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy.
Schmaltz says the highway dedication proposal has seen sturdy native assist, and particularly credited pupil researchers from the Heritage Middle at Jackson Faculty for bringing consideration to Stiger’s story.
“These students have shown remarkable initiative and respect for our shared history,” Schmaltz mentioned. “Their work has helped shine a light on a Jackson native who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s because of their efforts that this legislation has taken shape, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
HB-4145 was accepted by committee and has superior to the complete Home for consideration.
