Lee Archer
"Ina The Macon Belle" P-51C
Tuskegee Airmen Mustang
By Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette
Limited Edition $60.00
Limited Edition prints are signed and numbered by the artist and signed by the aviator.
Open Edition $18.00
Open Edition prints are signed by the artist.
Lt. Lee A. Archer Jr.
By Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette
Lee Archer entered the Army in November 1941. After basic training Lee was transferred to Camp Wheeler in Macon Georgia for infantry training. Next he received training as a Telegrapher and Field Network Communications Specialist and promoted to Acting Sergeant as an instructor.
In December 1942 Acting Sergeant Archer was accepted to Aviation Cadet Training and reported to Tuskegee Army Airfield. On July 28,1943 Archer graduated number one in his class and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
Lee Archer was assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group. He received advanced training at Selfridge Army Air Field in Michigan and was transferred with the group to Italy in January 1944.
Once in Italy, Lt. Archer flew the P-39 for three to four months flying patrol and ground support missions. Their units then got the P-47 Thunderbolts which were the first aircraft the Tuskegee Airmen flew with the distinctive red tails. They flew the Thunderbolts for a brief time and then received the P-51 Mustangs.
On July 18,1944, the 99th Fighter Squadron officially joined the 332nd Fighter Group. They flew their first combined mission using all four squadrons flying escort for B-24 Bombers that day. The Tuskegee Airmen had been developing a reputation as the most effective fighter escort group in the Army Air Force. The Tuskegee Airmen never lost a bomber they were protecting to enemy fighters. A triumph achieved by no other fighter escort group.
The Red Tailed Mustangs shot down eleven German aircraft that day with a loss of three of their fellow pilots. Archer claimed his first kill during this mission.
The following day on another escort mission, Lee’s next victory came while chasing an enemy aircraft until it ran into a mountain trying to avoid him.
On October 12,1944 the 302nd was taking part in strafing attacks on a sweep along the Danube River. Lt. Archer was flying wingman to Captain Wendell Pruitt when they came across a lone Heinkel 111 bomber. Pruitt fired on the Heinkel sending it to the ground in flames. Their squadron was then attacked by seven Be 109’s and two more He111’s.
Pruitt and Archer turned head on into the enemy fighters with their guns blazing. After flying through the Germans, Archer made a tight turn and pulled behind one of the 109’s and closed his range. Archer fired several short burst into the 109. A wing ripped off the German fighter and it plunged to earth. Archer then pulled up behind Pruitt to protect his leader and watched Pruitt shoot down a Bf 109.
Suddenly another Bf 109 slid between Archer and Pruitt and closed on Pruitt’s Mustang. Archer sped to the rear of the German and when the 109 filled Archer’s gun sight’s he fired. The 109 exploded throwing the pilot into the air.
Pruitt had been busy lining up another German in his sights when his guns jammed. Archer pulled up next to Pruitt seeing that something was wrong. Pruitt waved Archer on to chase the German. The 109 headed for the protection of its airfield. Lee fired several burst into the German fighter as it lined up the airfield for a landing causing it to crash on the runway.
Enemy anti aircraft fire exploded around Pruitt and Archer’s Mustangs as they maneuvered out of their range. Archer claimed three of the nine confirmed kills in the air that day. In addition, twenty six German aircraft were destroyed on the ground along with several locomotives, motor convoys, and river barges. Only one of the Tuskegee pilot’s was lost to flak.
Lee Archer flew 169 missions and is the only confirmed ace of the Tuskegee Airmen with five confirmed aerial victories of Bf 109 fighters. He was also credited with six enemy aircraft on the ground. Archer was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 18 Clusters, the Distinguished Unit Citation and many other service medals. He retired in 1970 as a Lt. Coronal.
Archer in flight suit with ground crewman standing next to his P-51C "Ina The Macon Belle".
Lee Archer and Roscoe Brown at the Eighth Air Force Museum in Savannah, Georgia.
Lee Archer and the artist.
Red Tail P-51C
If you are interested in buying both of the Tuskegee Airman prints I will give you a matching numbered set for only $100.00.
That is a savings of $20.00. Go to "How to Order" below.
If you are interested in purchasing the original paintings of the Tuskegee Airmen I have worked with, please contact me personally below.
This is my photo of "Ina The Macon Belle" which is at the Fantasy of Flight Museum, Lakeland, Florida
All research, writings and artwork are by Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette.
No one is permitted to republish any part of this story with out my personal permission.
Please call or e-mail me for any use of this story.
I do not mind sharing, just call or e-mail and ask for permission.
Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette
904-282-4198
e-mail: aviationartstore@peoplepc.com
Buy both of the Tuskegee Airmen prints and get a matching numbered set!
2-10-07