Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Airman First Class (A1C) Clerow "Flip" Wilson US Air Force (Served 1950-1954)







Yes its true Flip Wilson was in the Air Force and he lied about his age to enlist. He was stationed on the Island nation of Guam and assigned to the Strategic Air Command.

View his Service Profile

on TogetherWeServed.com at http://airforce.togetherweserved.com/profile/171488

Short Bio: Clerow dropped out of school in the 8th grade because he was embarrassed by the poor clothing he had to wear to school each day. 


At 16, he lied about his age and joined the U.S. Air Force. It was while serving in the Air Force that he got the nickname "Flip." While he was stationed on the Island of Guam, he entertained his buddies at night with jokes and humor.  One of they guys in his unit remarked, "He has 'flippeth' his lid" and the name stuck - ever since.

After Flip was discharged from the USAF he began to try his comedic talent in small night clubs and bars. Finally he built up the courage to try out for the Chitlin Circuit in hot spots like the Apollo Club in Harlem, New York.  Flip would often sleep in pay toilet stalls because he did not have enough money for a motel or hotel. He made ends meet by working as a bellhop and paid for the birth of his oldest son by working as a truck driver during the day. 


Flip was quoted as saying "But I was happy because I knew where I was going with my life."


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