02/09/2023
Sleep well Captain Bill...You will truly be missed. Our flag will be at half mast on the never forgotten "Temptation" in Daddy and my hearts today on your behalf. I have so many fond memories of him & Captain Jack (a distinguished "Redtail" of the Tuskegee Airman) and his wife Unice-Unice was the best cook and I frequented their vessel every time I saw them coming down the finger dock, knowing my gastrointestinal system would be quite pleased! 🤌. Also, Al & Vonnie & Mr. Leroy (L'Roy-as he would say).... Being this rambunctious kid whose single father had a sailboat named "Temptation" in Jackson Park Harbor on Chicago's Southside in Lake Michigan...boat hopping on all of their boats all summer long, collecting my qoata of snacks from each (Mr. Leroy won hands down and took 1st priority in the daily snack raid-sorry Al 🤭) and aggravating every single adult at the Yacht Club--Never cognizant of the greatness amongst me. Captain Bill with his Navy tales and Captain Jack with his stories of becoming a Red Tail and how he navigated through the segregated Air Force (Yes, what the movie was founded upon) always fascinated me! Not until I was much older could I even fathom how their sacrifices and accomplishments would literally change the landscape of American history. The Congressional Gold Medal of Honor bestowed upon Capt. Jack and The Singular title of becoming the first African American Man to sail the world solo for Capt. Bill. They were titans of their time and ours. Their race was well ran...May we never forget. 👏❤️
In 1992, Pinkney was alone at sea - and his journey fascinated thousands of children who followed his every nautical mile.
