The Ohio House of Representatives welcomed First Lieutenant Arthur Saunders of the U.S. Army Air Corps during House session. Lt. Saunders, a Tuskegee Airman of the 477th Bombardment Group, is one of only 300 remaining living members who comprised a unit of all-black pilots—the first in U.S. military history.

“Lieutenant Saunders is an authentic hero of World War II, a man whose service reflected credit on the United States of America,” said Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “He served at a time when African American servicemen were denied proper recognition for their dedication to this nation. The Tuskegee Airmen played a crucial role in our nation’s and world’s history, and I was honored and humbled to present Lt. Saunders, a great American, to the Ohio House.”

A graduate of Yale University, Lt. Saunders had served in an executive position as an architect and director of the Ralph Taylor Companies – Architecture and Civil Engineering, whose world headquarters are located in Cleveland. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush in 2007. He lives in Cleveland and turned 91 on June 12th.