Tuskegee Airmen Invited to Inauguration

President-elect Barack Obama has invited surviving members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen to the Inauguration in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2009. The following is a story originally appearing in the Franklin High School Alumni Post about two Franklin High School graduates who were Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.

"Robert Deiz, FHS '37 and Carl Deiz, FHS '38, were both part of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, the first and only all black Air Force Fighter Group during World War II.

The brothers were commissioned as second lieutenants and completed flying training. It was found in a final eye examination test Carl had a depth perception problem and was kept off flying status. Robert was sent overseas where he flew 93 missions with the 99th Pursuit Squadron primarily in the Italian campaign. Besides bombing and strafing missions he is credited with the downing of two German fighters.

Following WWII Robert Deiz remained in the Air Force as a test pilot stationed in Columbus, Ohio. Upon retirement from the USAF he worked for North American Aviation Corp. and also as a parole officer. Robert passed away in 1992 leaving his wife, Ruby and son, Robert.

In 2004 Robert Diaz was inducted into the Oregon Flying Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon. His wife Ruby, and son, Robert were in attendance.

Carl Deiz returned to Portland following his service in the USAF. Upon re-entering the University of Portland he majored in business. After receiving his bachelor's degre, Carl was employed by the Department of the Interior where he worked for the Bonneville Power Administration as a small business specialist until his retirement in 1987.

Mr. Deiz married Mercedes Deiz in 1949. There are three children from this marriage: Karen, Gilbert and Bill. Many will remember Mercedes Deiz, a long serving Circuit Court Judge in Multnomah County. Mercedes is deceased.

Following retirement Carl indicated he had his hands full shepherding seven grandchildren to school and school related-activities while their parents worked. Six of the grandchildren are currently in college.

Mr. Deiz is a parishioner at St. Phillips Episcopal Church. Among the congregation are two former Franklin High School principals; Opal Chancellor Moore and Nathan Jones.

Carl Deiz and Robert Deiz are a part of "The Greatest Generation"."