EIU, Coles Co. Historical Society to honor Tuskegee Airman Charles Hall with marker

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) - Eastern Illinois University and the Coles County Historical Society will unveil a historical marker to honor Tuskegee Airman and EIU alumnus Charles Hall.

The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the corner of Fourth Street and Garfield Avenue on EIU's campus.

EIU said that Hall was the university's first Black student-athlete, who competed in football and track.

According to the university, Hall became a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, flew combat missions during World War II and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The Air Force Personnel Center stated the award is given to service members who display "heroism or extraordinary achievement" in flight missions.

He was posthumously recognized as an EIU Distinguished Alumnus in 2017.

Additional information is available online.