Higginbotham was born on March 2, 1921, in Amherst, Virginia, to Plinkam L Higginbotham and Hester Higginbotham. Higginbotham joined the U.S. military in the summer 1942. He subsequently was accepted into the Tuskegee Army Airfield Class TE-44-K from which he graduated on February 1, 1945, with a commission as a Second Lieutenant. Higginbotham became one of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen when he was assigned to the 477th Bombardment Group. He served on active duty through the end of World War II; in 1946, he left active duty but continued as a member of the U.S. Army Air Force Reserves. He initially flew fighter aircraft but eventually moved up to flying B-52s.

Here the collectors edition of GI Joe. Mint in Box with Higginbotham’s original signature. 

Another GI Joe example for the Tuskegee Airmen. Both Mint in Box.

The lot comes with Higginbotham memorabilia including various patches and pins.

Research folder, books and video on the topic as the former owner was instrumental to design and create the  Tuskegee Airmen memorial in Sewickley, PA.