Henry Wise Jr.

Henry A. Wise Jr. (August 3, 1920 – May 2, 2003) was an American physician and World War II Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot with the 99th Pursuit Squadron, 332nd Division. He was shot down over Romania and was a prisoner of war. After the war, he became the medical director at Bowie State University.

Early life
Wise was born in Cheriton, Virginia, and he graduated from the all black private school, Virginia Union University.

Career
From 1942 to 1946 served as a pilot in the Tuskegee Airmen. Wise's plane was shot down over Romania near the Ploesti oilfields. He spent three months as a prisoner of war.

In 1955 Wise left his family practice to work as a physician at Prince George's Hospital Center. At that time Wise was the only African American physician. He went on to become the medical director at Bowie State University

Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School was approved by the Board of Education for Prince George's County Public Schools in 2005.

Death
Wise suffered a heart attack and died at Prince George's Hospital Center on May 2, 2003.

Awards

 * Air Medal
 * Certificate of Valor for Courage in Combat
 * Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006
 * Pioneer Award for Distinguished Service and Historic Achievement.
 * Purple Heart