Flags Fly At Half Staff, Funeral Set For Scotch Plains Hero

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Flags are flying at half staff in Scotch Plains and funeral arrangements are set for Malcolm Nettingham for Saturday.

Nettingham of Scotch Plains died on Monday at 101-years-old just shy of his birthday. He was one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen — the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Flags will remain at half staff in honor of Nettingham until his 102nd birthday on Oct. 1, Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith said.

"Scotch Plains, and America, has lost a significant member of our community. Please keep Malcolm in your prayers," Smith said. "In my personal meetings with Malcolm, I found him to be extremely humble but proud for the significant role he played in integrating the armed forces. He was always of good humor and willing to share his experiences and advice. I will miss seeing him around town."

A graveside funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery, 1100 East Broad St., Westfield.

"May God bless you Malcolm and thank you for your service to this nation and a lifetime commitment to our state. You made us all so, so very, very proud," Gov. Phil Murphy said during a briefing on Wednesday.

Murphy spoke with Nettingham's daughter on Wednesday who shared one of his secrets to longevity which is "treat your neighbor as you would treat yourself."

Nettingham was born in New York City before moving to Scotch Plains when he was 5 years old and then graduated from Scotch Plains High School in 1939.

He became part of a five-man crew of Black soldiers chosen for the first integrated flight radio communications class. Having excelled in a Morse Code aptitude test, Nettingham served as a radio operator and gunner in the 617th Squadron, 477th Composite Group.

Nettingham was among a group of African American soldiers known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen overcame discrimination and prejudice to become one of the most highly, respected groups of soldiers during World War II, according to his obituary at Judkins Colonial Home.

Nettingham was among the 300 Tuskegee Airmen who were honored in 2007 with the Congressional Gold Medal, and he attended both of President Barack Obama's inaugurations at the president's invitation, according to his obituary.

Nettingham was active in the Scotch Plains community and had previously been chosen to serve as grand marshal of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade in 2014.

As a member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, he was a choir member, Sunday school teacher and ready to serve where needed for more than 75 years.

Nettingham was married to the late Lorena Coles for 72 years. He leaves behind two children, Malcolm V. and Deborah, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Malcolm E. Nettingham click here.

• Read More: Scotch Plains Hero: Tuskegee Airman Dies At 101

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