Born in Dubuque in 1919, Martin was one of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, a unit of Black pilots, who flew 64 missions as a fighter pilot.
Dawnelle Gordon is chair of the Martin Commemoration Committee.
"At the time, people in the military debated whether Black Americans could be successful as officers in the military."
Martin graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, and studied engineering at Iowa State University. He was one of 12 Tuskegee Airmen from Iowa.
"And they stepped up to serve this country during a time when they had few opportunities, even worse opportunity than today. But they wanted to serve this country they wanted to protect the United States and its freedom."
Gordon says convincing local officials to name the terminal for Martin was easy, but it was harder to raise the money to pay for an exhibit, and for signs at the airport. Donations totaled 80,000 dollars.
The ceremony at the Dubuque airport begins at 6 pm.
