Skip to content
October 24, 2011

Schiff Bill to Dedicate Pasadena Post Office to First Lieutenant Oliver Goodall Passes the Senate, Awaits President's Signature

Washington, DC– Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that legislation he introduced to designate the historic U.S. Postal Service office located at 281 E. Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena as the “First Lieutenant Oliver Goodall Post Office” passed the Senate and now awaits the President’s signature. 

“I am so pleased that legislation to pay tribute to Oliver Goodall, a great patriot who always exhibited perseverance in the face of adversity, is one step closer to becoming law,” Rep. Schiff said. “Once signed by President Obama, this bill will honor the more than 50 years of public service that Goodall provided as a Tuskegee Airman, public information officer and postal worker. Goodall’s courageous life story, as well as his legacy of service, lives on and inspires us all. His dedication to helping others had a truly positive impact on our community, and for that we are very fortunate.”

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.”

 

-30-