James Travis | Tuskegee airman, 86

Retired Sgt. James Travis, 86, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, died May 26 at his home in Cleveland.

Mr. Travis was fond of speaking about his experiences with the airmen, the country's first black military pilots and ground crew, during World War II.

Mr. Travis trained at Tuskegee, Ala., as an aerial engineer, gunner, and crew chief. He was assigned to the 477th Bombardment Group and served at several U.S. bases.

- AP