Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced legislation today to designate the post office at 2271 Lake Ave. as the “First Lt. Oliver Goodall Post Office,” in honor of the more than 50 years of service that Oliver Goodall of Altadena provided to the community and country as a Tuskegee Airman, public information officer and postal worker.
Goodall died in 2010.
“Oliver Goodall was a steadfast champion of our community and a great patriot, and always exhibited perseverance in the face of adversity,” Rep. Schiff said in a press release. “His courageous life story and legacy of service lives on and inspires us all.”
Goodall entered the service at Tuskegee in February 1943. In October 1944, he graduated as a multi-engine pilot and was assigned to the 477th Bomber Group at Godman Field, Kentucky, in January 1945, where he attained his First Pilots rating in six months.
Goodall was among 60 African American U.S. Army Air Corps officers arrested for trying to peacefully integrate an all-white officers’ club, which came to be known as the Freeman Field Mutiny. The ‘mutiny’ was an important step toward full integration of all U.S. armed forces worldwide in June 1949, serving as a model for later Civil Rights efforts to integrate public facilities.
“For more than 50 years, my grandfather served our community as a Tuskegee Airman, public information officer and postal worker, and dedicating the post office in his name is a great joy and an honor for our family,” said Tony Goodall. “I hope that by paying tribute to my grandfather, this will serve as a reminder, not only to our family and friends, but also to our neighbors about the importance of service, as well as an inspiration for young men and women that their contributions to society really will make a difference.”
