Price D. Rice

[3] Born on October 22, 1916, in Shelby, North Carolina, Cleveland County, Rice was raised in Montclair, N.J.

[5] In 1962, Rice married Ohio State University alumnus and Howard University-trained physician Ellamae Simmons after meeting through a mutual friend.

In 1967, the couple purchased a home in San Francisco's exclusive Presidio Heights, becoming the first African American family there.

[6] On October 9, 1942, Rice graduated from Tuskegee's cadet pilot training class 42-I-SE, receiving his wings and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.

[3][7] After graduation, the U.S. Army Air Corps assigned Rice to the Tuskegee Airmen-99th Fighter Squadron where he flew patrol, strafing and bomber escort missions in World War II's Mediterranean and European Theater.

The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had distinctive markings that led to the name, "Red Tails." [ N 1 ]
Class 42-I Left to right: Nathaniel M. Hill, Marshall S. Cabiness, Herman A. Lawson , William T. Mattison, John A. Gibson, Elwood T. Driver , Price D. Rice, Andrew D. Turner