Whiteman honored at memorial ceremony

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Boutte
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  A formation of T-38 jets roared overhead in the "missing man" formation, with one breaking out and climbing vertically, to close Saturday's 23rd Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony May 21 at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Sedalia, Mo.

The ceremony honored 2nd Lt. George A. Whiteman, a Sedalia native and Smith Cotton High School graduate who was one of the first Americans killed in World War II and was posthumously awarded many commendations for his heroism and bravery. Lieutenant Whiteman died Dec. 7, 1941, as he attempted to take off in his P-40B Warhawk aircraft during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

The legacy of Lieutenant Whiteman would continue when the Sedalia Air Field was renamed in his honor as Whiteman Air Force Base Dec. 3, 1955.

"I believe Lieutenant Whiteman would be so proud to know how wonderful the relationship is between the community he grew up in and the Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors at the military installation just down the road that was named in his honor," said Lt. Col. Kenneth G. O'Neil, 509th Security Forces Squadron commander and Air Force Global Strike Command member.

Members of Lieutenant Whiteman's family laid a memorial wreath on his gravesite before members of a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591 detail fired three volleys of shots.

"It is his legacy and spirit that we honor and remember him on this day," Colonel O'Neil said. "We are thankful for Lieutenant Whiteman for that fighting spirit he demonstrated and how that spirit resounded through evolution of our Air Force."

In addition, David Rouchka, member of the Military Affairs Committee said, "Freedom has a price. Freedom doesn't just happen. You have to nurture it and work for it and there are certain individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice to maintain the freedoms we enjoy today."

Airmen from the 509th SFS, Smith-Cotton High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp and members from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591 were in formation as part of tradition.

Next year's memorial service is scheduled for May 19, 2012.