DETROIT (FOX 2) – A statue of a famous Tuskegee Airman that stood in Rouge Park was recently stolen. It has since been recovered, though not without damage.

But as plans are made to restore the sculpture of the late Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, the comment about its revival has also sparked a larger discussion about the individual’s legacy in Detroit and abroad.

“They are American heroes and Lt. Col. Jefferson was a personal friend,” said Rochelle Riley. “He was someone I wrote about years ago to remind people how important the Tuskeegee Airmen were, and their legend has grown in stature ever since.”

Riley is the city’s director of arts and culture. She spearheaded the project to honor Jefferson when the statue was erected in June on the city’s west side.

It was built on the same spot where Jefferson flew model airplanes later in life, near an area aptly named Jefferson Plaza on Jefferson Field.

He was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and his unit, the Red Tails, escorted bombers into action in Europe. They lost so few planes that they were often in demand for flying races.

During his time abroad, he was shot down and held as a prisoner of war.

Once he returned to Detroit, he helped found a local chapter of ex-pilots.

Earlier this week, the statue of Jefferson went missing from her home – raising questions about who could be behind its disappearance.

“Wednesday night we got word that the statue was gone,” Riley said. “We confirmed that the artist didn’t take it down for anything, that our general services department didn’t have to do anything with it – we don’t take statues down for cleaning or any reason, so we knew then that it was stolen,”

Detroit’s mayor confirmed Friday that the thieves were after the bronze from the statue. Two people were arrested in this case.

Riley said they have been in contact with the original artist to see what can be done to bring the statue back to life.