Did you know one of the Tuskegee airmen was from Monroe? You would if you had read an article in the Monroe Free Press back in February 2022!
James Weldon Mason was born in Monroe on 14 September 1915 to John H. and Valena Mason. By the 1940 draft he was in Atlanta, GA. He stood 6’4″ and weighed 185 pounds. He was trained as a pilot at Tuskegee and graduated July 28, 1943 as a 2nd Lieut. Our knowledge of him seems to stop with his graduation. He vanishes into thin air. Rest in peace Mr. Mason, and thank you for your service!
Ouachita Parish History Tidbits 