“Whiteman: The Legacy of Freedom” Sculptures at Katy Park
New sculptures sit on the corner of 24th and Grand at Katy Park. The sculptures were created by Sedalia artist Don Luper to honor Lt. George Whiteman. A B-2 and a plane that Lt. Whiteman piloted, a P-40, are now great pieces of artwork to honor the legacy of Lt. George Whiteman, who's childhood home still stands in Sedalia and was a Smith-Cotton graduate.
On Dec. 7, 1941, Lt. George Whiteman had just lifted off in his P-40B Warhawk to fight back against the Japanese invasion of Oahu. Enemy gunfire hit his cockpit, wounding him and throwing the plane out of control.
The plane crashed and Lt.Whiteman, just 22 years old, died from his injuries. He was the first aerial pilot killed in aerial combat in World War II. Fourteen years later, Whiteman Air Force Base was named after him in his honor.
A dedication for the new Whiteman Corridor will be held Saturday, May 16 at 11:45 a.m. on the corner of 24th and Grand. The dedication will take place after the annual Whiteman Wreath Ceremony, which will also be open to the public at Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.