Airman First Class Sterling E. Newsome, Jr. was born on November 8, 1922, in Talladega, Alabama to Sterling E. Newsome, Sr. and Alberta Headen Newsome. His father, a coal miner, moved the family from Alabama to Logan, West Virginia, in the early 1930s. Sterling was educated in the segregated schools of Logan and graduated from Aracoma High School.

Determined to build a life beyond the coal mines, Sterling moved to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to live with relatives and seek employment. When work proved scarce, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1943. After faithfully serving for 32 months, he was honorably discharged. Years later, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he trained as an aircraft mechanic at Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas—his first duty station.

On November 22, 1952—just two weeks after his 30th birthday—Airman First Class Newsome was among 52 service members aboard a C-124 Globemaster military transport en route from McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington, to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. The aircraft tragically crashed into a mountain during severe weather conditions.

In June 2012, an Alaska National Guard helicopter discovered the wreckage, frozen in ice. Since that time, annual recovery missions have been conducted by the U.S. military to locate and return the remains of those who perished. In 2021, a shirt belonging to Sterling was recovered and presented to his family in Dayton, Ohio. More recently, additional remains were identified and are being transported to H.H. Roberts Mortuary for burial with full military honors at the Dayton VA National Cemetery.

He is lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews across Dayton, Springfield, Atlanta, Akron, Louisville, Kansas City, and Scranton.

A memorial service celebrating his life and sacrifice will be held at 12:00 p.m. on November 13, 2025, at Greater Allen AME Church, 1620 West Fifth Street, with Reverend Dr. Elmer S. Martin officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to H.H. Roberts Mortuary.