Scotch Plains Hero: Tuskegee Airman Dies At 101

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — The Scotch Plains community is mourning the death of a hero. Malcolm Nettingham, 101, of Scotch Plains died on Monday just shy of his Oct. 1 birthday. He was one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen — the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

"He may not have considered himself a #hero, but he certainly was one. Thank you for your service," Senate President of New Jersey Steve Sweeney tweeted on Tuesday.

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 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 legacy.com.

He had previously been chosen to serve as grand marshal of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade in 2014.

Many took to social media to share their condolences regarding Nettingham.

"We have lost a hero. God Bless your soul Mr. Nettingham," Lesa Sanchez said.

"A true American hero. Please RIP. Cheers to a life well lived Malcom Nettingham. Thank you for your service," said Amber Watson Rauch.

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