Background
Higginbotham was born on March 2, 1921 in Amherst, Virginia to Plinkam L Higginbotham and Hester Higginbotham.
Higginbotham was born on March 2, 1921 in Amherst, Virginia to Plinkam L Higginbotham and Hester Higginbotham.
He subsequently was accepted into the Tuskegee Army Airfield Class TE-44-K from which he graduated on February 1, 1945 with a commission as a Second Lieutenant.
Military career
Higginbotham joined the United States. military in the summer 1942. He initially flew fighter aircraft but eventually moved up to flying B-52s. Higginbotham was one of 100 black servicemen who were arrested for attempting to enter an officers club reserved for white officers.
This event became known as the Freeman Field Mutiny.
lieutenant is widely seen as a key moment in the path towards full integration of the United States. Armed Services. Civilian career
Following his years of active duty, Higginbotham went to work for the Los Angeles Airport Advisory Committee, working as a registrar at the Pittsburg Airport.
He also served as a probation officer for nearly thirty years.
Higginbotham and his brother Robert both attended the ceremony in 2007 where the Congressional Gold Medal was collectively awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen for their contributions during World World War World War II He also received "Manitoba of the Year" Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated in 1996.
Tuskegee Airmen]
He has a younger brother, Robert, who also became a member of the United States. military. Higginbotham became one of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen when he was assigned to the 477th Bombardment Group. He served on active duty through the end of World World War World War II
In 1946, he left active duty but continued as a member of the United States. Army Air Force Reserves.
