In Memory of 2nd Lt. Ferrier H. White
October 12, 1921 – April 5, 1945
Class: 44-I-SE
Graduation Date: October 16, 1944
Unit: 332nd Fighter Group, 100th Fighter Squadron
Service # O-1824829
By Ethan West, Elyria Black Legacy Connection, December 2025
Early Life and Education
2nd Lt. Ferrier H. White was born in 1921 to Henry White and Fosterina Meredith. Raised in Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio, he attended Elyria High School where he excelled both academically and athletically, notably as a member of the football team. Graduating in 1939, he left a lasting mark on his community before enlisting in the United States Army in January 1942. He was employed at Sears Roebuck Company in Elyria before his patriotic call to arms.
Family and Local Roots
Ferrier White’s roots in Elyria run deep, with his grandparents settling in the city before the turn of the 20th century. His grandfather, Perry Meredith, born outside of enslavement in Baltimore, MD. contributed to the fabric of the community. Ferrier’s formative years were spent on South Maple Street in Elyria before the family relocated to Oberlin. A few years after he graduated from Elyria High School, Ferrier enlisted in the Army.
Military Service and Sacrifice
Ferrier White’s legacy intertwines with the distinguished history of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, they became a symbol of courage and excellence during World War II. White received his wings and commission as a second lieutenant on October 16, 1944, and was assigned to the 100th Squadron, 322nd Fighter Group based in Italy.
On April 5, 1945, during a routine mission, 2nd Lt. Ferrier H. White’s aircraft went missing over the Adriatic Sea. Despite extensive search efforts, his remains were never recovered, leaving a void in the hearts of his family, community, and country. He is honored on the Tablets of the Missing at the Florence American Cemetery in Impruneta, Italy, and commemorated on the Oberlin Ohio Soldiers Monument.
Remembering at the Florence American Cemetery
The Florence American Cemetery in Italy stands as a poignant reminder of sacrifice and valor. Nestled amidst the hills of Tuscany, it houses the graves of nearly 4,400 war dead and commemorates over 1,400 names on the Walls of the Missing. It serves as a testament to the contributions of American servicemen and women during World War II.
Honoring Legacy: “Remember me – Ferrier”
On Friday, April 5th, 2024 at 10am, an honorary street sign was dedicated at the corner of South Maple St & Oberlin Rd, Elyria, OH 44035.
On Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 2pm, an honorary brick laying ceremony was held at the VFW Post 1079, 500 S. Abbe Rd, Elyria, OH 44035.
Both events hosted by the Elyria Black Legacy Connection and Lorain County Veterans Service Commision. In attendance at each event included some of his family members, the veterans & citizens of Elyria and others from all around who joined together to pay tribute to 2nd Lt. Ferrier H. White, ensuring that his sacrifice and contributions to his nation are remembered and honored for generations to come as he specifically requested.
