A petition to rename a Bergen County elementary school for a local World War II hero is gaining hundreds of signatures.

Nearly 800 people have signed a petition to rename Central Elementary School in Glen Rock after one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, Thomas Hawkins, who grew up in Glen Rock and attended the school.

Hawkins died in service at age 21.

"In the short time of his lifespan, he became a commander of a squadron of nine pilots," said Bryan Jackson who started the petition. "The P-51 fighter planes, the tails were painted in red, and they got the nickname as being the Red Tails."

Jackson started the petition early this month and presented it to the school board on Monday. He says Hawkins fulfilled his 25-mission requirement for the Air Corps (the former name of the Air Force) but wanted to continue his service showing his dedication.

Hawkins named his plane after his wife Gloria. The couple was expecting their first child in 1945 when the aircraft was being repaired and Hawkins was about to set off on his 29th mission.

"So, they gave him another plane. When it took off, he blew up. Italy, 1945," said Hawkins' niece, Carol-Ann Santos, who lives in Jersey City.

Santos still has the letters sent from Hawkins in Italy to his wife Gloria who was living in Bayonne.

One of the letters from Hawkins read, "I can't wait until our baby is born. I am just so happy and proud. I will get back to you soon. I love you my darling."

That letter was sent shortly before the one that was sent to Gloria Hawkins, stating "Your husband Thomas L. Hawkins was killed in action in the service of his country..." from the U.S. Senate.

Gloria Hawkins miscarried after falling down and fainting when she got the news. She lived until 2010, leaving Santos, her niece with their engagement ring and the accolades that tell the story of a hero.

Santos proudly shows her uncle's Purple Heart medal and other medals of honor.

Jackson says the vote to rename Central Elementary School after Thomas Hawkins should be an easy "Yes."

“I think he deserves recognition, and I think this is a nice way to do it. I think it's long overdue," said Jackson.