Whiteman remembered in honored tradition

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- It's been 69 years since one of Sedalia's own made the ultimate sacrifice; however, his name is one that will not soon be forgotten.

Second Lt. George Allison Whiteman, Whiteman Air Force Base's namesake, was paid homage to during the 22nd annual memorial wreath laying ceremony May 22 at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Sedalia, Mo.

"It's an honor to be here and it's something we should be doing for every past and present servicemember for all the things they have done for our country, so we can enjoy the freedoms we have," said Dr. Glenn Berry. "And to do it on a beautiful day is even better."

Lieutenant Whiteman was one of the first American Airmen killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941. Lieutenant Whiteman ran to his P-40B Warhawk at Bellows Field when it was evident that the airfield was under attack.

As his P-40 was lifting off the runway, enemy gunfire threw the aircraft out of control and Lieutenant Whiteman was thrown out of the cockpit and died.

The opening ceremony included recognition of military servicemembers from Whiteman AFB, city officials and Lieutenant Whiteman's surviving relatives.

"Lieutenant Whiteman is the perfect namesake for our base and the spirit lives in the hearts of all the Whiteman Warriors," General Wheeler said.

Also a part of the legacy tradition was a formation of Airmen from the 509th Security Forces Squadron, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591, Smith-Cotton High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps honor guard.

A 21-gun salute and T-38 flyby from Whiteman AFB concluded the time-honored tradition.

The legacy event was put on by the Sedalia Military Affairs Committee and the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce.