Robert Friend, a Tuskegee Airman who took aviation courses at Lincoln University, has died at the age of 99, writes Amanda Jackson for CNN.

Friend was born in Columbia, S.C., in 1920. When he attempted to enlist in the Army to fly, he was turned away. However, that did little to discourage him. He instead went to Lincoln University where he studied aviation.

Once the Army created an all-black squadron in 1941, he enlisted and became one of the original Tuskegee Airmen.

During World War II, Friend flew 142 combat missions, including in North Africa and Europe. He also served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after a three-decade career.

After retiring, he worked for the Space Shuttle program and led a company that produces components for the International Space Station.

Read more about Robert Friend at CNN here.

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