Roy E. LaGrone

Roy Elmer LaGrone (February 1, 1921 – December 8, 1993) was an American art director and illustrator. He was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Biography LaGrone was born in February 1, 1921, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He became interested in aviation after riding in an airplane above Pine Bluff as a teenager. During World War II LaGrone fought with the 332d Fighter Group (known as the Tuskegee Airmen) in Africa and Italy.

He was discharged from military service in 1946. LaGrone remained in Italy for a time to study at the University of Florence. He returned to the United States and completed his studies at the Pratt Institute, graduating in 1949.

LaGrone's employment included art director for the magazine Amerika, By January 1960, he was artistic director of the book publisher Avon and broadcaster Radio Free Europe. He was a member of the Society of Illustrators and created record covers and book jackets as a freelance artist. In 1996, his artwork was featured in Tuskegee's Heroes: As Depicted in the Aviation Art of Roy E. La Grone which was published by MotorBooks International. In 2001, he was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey.