During World War II, the U.S. military was racially segregated. Reflecting American society and law at the time, most black soldiersand sailors were restricted to labor battalions and other support positions. An experiment in the U.S. Army Air Forces, however, showed that given equal opportunity and training, African-Americans could fly in, command and support combat units as well as anyone.
The USAAF's black fliers, the so-called "Tuskegee Airmen," served with distinction in combat and directly contributed to the eventual integration of the U.S. armed services, with the U.S. Air Force leading the way.
Click on the following links to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen.
Tuskegee Airmen Website
Political Pressure
Training Begins
Davis Leads the 99th into Combat
Lt. Gen. Daniel James III
Escort Excellence
Legacy of Equality
Edward C. Gleed Flying Jacket
William L. Cain Uniform
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The Red Tail Project, part of the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first black military pilots. The Tuskegee Airmen fought racism and segregation on the ground so that they could be allowed to train and fight the enemy in the air during World War Two. They painted the tails of their fighter airplanes red and soon became known as "red tail angels" because they were so skilled at protecting the big bombers as they flew their missions over Germany. (Robyn Feld, Writer, the CAF Red Tail Project)
In addition to their website, CAF Red Tail Project also has a Blog: (updated on Fridays) and uploads on Youtube. You can connect with the project on Facebook and follow them on Twitter (updated every at least every weekday). The Project also recommends checking out the Commemorative Air Force site.
*~*~*~*~*~*Eventually, the Tuskegee Airmen were officially thanked for their amazing efforts in the war. Approximately 450 Tuskegee Airmen received 850 medals between 1943 and 1945. They also received 95 Distinguished Flying Crosses. Due in large part to their accomplishments, in 1948, President Truman signed an order prohibiting segregation in the military. Although WWII has been over more than 60 years ago, it has taken a long time for the Tuskegee Airmen to received all the honor our country owes them.
On December 9, 1998, Retired Lt. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., (who was the Air Force's first black general officer and former commander of the Tuskegee Airmen during WWII), received his fourth star from President Clinton.
Wearing a red blazer presented him by the famed Tuskegee Airmen, President Clinton congratulates Air Force Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. after awarding him his fourth star nearly three decades after he retired. Looking on is Davis' sister, Elnora Davis McLendon, who helped Clinton. Davis was commander of World War II's famed Tuskegee Airmen. (Rudi Williams, American Forces Press Service)
On March 29, 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
President George W. Bush and Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi stand amidst 300 Tuskegee Airmen during a photo opportunity Thursday, March 29, 2007, in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. (White House photo by Joyce Boghosian)
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Tuskegee Airmen - Philadelphia
Check out the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and read about the Tuskegee Airmen archives that have been donated to Temple University!
Tuskegee Airmen, we thank and salute you!
