A World War Two hero’s stolen statue found in Detroit, bringing relief to the community. The statue, a 272-kilogramme bronze figure of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson, was taken from a local park in the middle of the night on Tuesday. The thieves seemingly sawed off the statue at the ankles, leaving behind a trail of mystery and anger.

Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson, a renowned Tuskegee Airman, made a remarkable contribution to the United States military during World War Two. He flew 18 missions, including some of the first to escort bombers over Europe. After being shot down, Jefferson was held captive as a prisoner of war in Poland for nine months before returning home to Detroit and becoming a school teacher. His legacy has been an inspiration to many, and the theft of his statue was a bitter blow to the community.

Detroit Police Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes expressed his outrage at the theft, stating, “The history, the legacy of the Red Tails, of the Tuskegee Airmen, to his family, to those that honourably served with him and are serving today. For you to disgrace that, you are an absolute coward.” Hayes’ words echoed the sentiments of the community, who were shocked and saddened by the theft.

However, thanks to swift police action, the statue has been recovered. Using GPS tracking, police were able to locate the rented truck used to transport the statue and apprehend the thief on Friday. The recovery of the statue brings relief to the community and restores a symbol of their pride and gratitude for the sacrifices made by Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson.

The statue of Jefferson was unveiled in June in a park area where he used to fly model airplanes, a fitting tribute to his life and legacy. The city had previously honoured him on his 100th birthday in 2021, and though he passed away the following year, his memory lives on. The recovery of his statue is a testament to the community’s enduring respect and admiration for this World War Two hero.