Captain Robert L. Martin Commemoration

Born and educated in Dubuque, Iowa, Robert L. Martin graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1936 and earned a degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University in 1942. Martin also earned his pilot’s license through the Civilian Air Corps while in college. Upon graduation, he was accepted to the Army Air Corps Tuskegee Flight Experiment, the first group of Black military pilots in the U.S. military. In January 1944, Martin received his wings and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He was one of the tweleve Tuskegee Airmen from Iowa that served in World War II (1939 – 1945).

As a fighter pilot with the 100th Fighter Squadron and the renowned 332nd Red Tail Fighter Group, Martin flew 64 missions escorting bombers and strafing enemy targets in the European Theatre. During his 64th and final mission, Martin’s plane was struck by ground fire in enemy territory. Then First Lieutenant Martin parachuted out of his burning plane and evaded capture for six weeks with the help of Partisans and safely returned to his unit. In the last months of WWII, First Lieutenant Martin received an honorable discharge. In the Reserves, he rose to the rank of Captain.

Martin was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters and a Purple Heart during his military career. For serving his country in the face of racial adversity at home and abroad, Martin and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen collectively received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 and entry into the Congressional Record on June 10, 2013. 
Martin also received notable civilian recognitions posthumously. In 2019, H.R. 1449 designated the United States Postal Service facility located in Olympia Fields, Illinois, as the “Captain Robert L. Martin Post Office.”

Federal regulations prohibit the Dubuque Regional Airport Commission (DRAC) from utilizing federal funds for the Captain R.L. Martin Memorial signage. Therefore, we are requesting donations from the public to bypass this obstacle. The Captain Robert L. Martin Commemoration Committee, incorporated as a not-for-profit in the state of Iowa as of October 6, 2020, was recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 in October 2021 and backdated to the Iowa recognition date. We are working in coordination with Dubuque Branch NAACP and DRAC to raise the necessary funds to rename the terminal building, construct outdoor name signage and an indoor plaque and educational exhibit. 

The new memorial signage plaque, video loop and educational materials will ensure the legacy of Captain Martin and the Tuskegee Airmen continues to live on. The terminal name also enhances the airport's role as a source of community pride, drawing students, visitors and civic organizations. The newly named terminal will also serve as a reminder of the victories won abroad, securing our freedoms at home. Honoring his legacy of humble service and bravery will inspire future generations of Dubuque citizens of all racial and cultural backgrounds to achieve their dreams in the face of adversity.

 

Budget Update 3-31-2022

Task                   Estimated Amount

Design                               $ 9,000

Sign Construction Installation $40,000

Educational Video          $ 9,000
Educational & Press Materials    $ 6,200   

Bronze Plaque                  $ 9,500

Administration                 $ 6,300

Total                                       $ 80,000

 

This project provides benefits to local community organizations and institutions. In addition, partnering will invest in the services of local architects, engineers, and artists, which will benefit the local workforce during this current time of economic hardship. Local businesses and the involvement of Dubuque citizens help promote the cultural legacy of Dubuque. The Captain Robert L. Martin Memorial Terminal will reflect the values shared by the City of Dubuque and Captain Martin - freedom, duty to one’s country, service to the community, and changing the cultural history once marked with racism.

 

Please make checks payable to Captain R. L. Martin Commemoration and send to:

Captain R. L. Martin Commemoration c/o Dubuque Branch NAACP

P.O. Box 1012, Dubuque, IA 52004

Or donate here via this GoFundMe page.

Gifts in kind will also be accepted.

We have raised $61,583.84 as of May 5, 2022.