The town of Orange, Virginia dedicated this historic marker to Tuskegee Airman Andrew Maples Jr. in July 2017. He was declared missing in action June 26, 1944 over the Adriatic Sea while serving in combat with the 301st Fighter Squadron.

When he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, President Harry Truman wrote, “In grateful memory of Captain Andrew Maples, Jr. who died in the service of his country in the Mediterranean area, 26 June 1944. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives and though it he lives – in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.”

Learn more about Cpt Maples in Tuskegee Airmen Profiles!