Congresswoman Alma Adams Honors Tuskegee Airman 2nd Lt. Fred Brewer
2nd Lt. Brewer's remains were identified using DNA and returned to Charlotte, after being MIA for 80 years.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - (December 6, 2023) – Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) will today commemorate Charlotte native 2ndLt. Fred Brewer, a US Army Air Forces commissioned officer who was killed in action on October 29, 1944. Rep. Adams gave a speech about 2nd Lt. Brewer on the U.S. House floor today to honor his sacrifice and the identification and return of his remains this year. This will coincide with a Memorial Service for 2nd Lt. Brewer today in Charlotte. At the service, Rep. Adams’ office is also presenting the Brewer family with the U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol on November 30th, the day that 2nd Lt. Brewer’s remains were flown to Charlotte.
“Tomorrow will mark 82 years since the United States entered World War II, and we are still bringing our heroes home” said Rep. Adams. “Lt. Fred Brewer was an attendee of the great Ebenezer Baptist Church, a graduate of the Shaw University in Raleigh, a son and brother, and a US Army airman. He gave his life for a country that did not yet recognize him as an equal. After more than 80 years, during which his sacrifice was vindicated by the fruits of democracy, he’s finally coming home” she said.
Lt. Brewer’s plane, named Travelin Light after the Billie Holiday song, was lost in action while returning from a mission near Ramitelli Airbase in Italy on October 29, 1944. His remains were not initially identified, and he was anonymously buried at Florence American Cemetery south of Florence, Italy. He was finally identified in August 2023.
“Thanks to the unyielding advocacy of his cousins Robena Brewer Harrison and Brenda L. Brewer, and the determined work of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency, a Tuskegee Airman and fallen hero will be laid to rest with the respect and honor he deserves” said Rep. Adams.
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