Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen was the popular name of a group of African American pilots who flew with distinction for the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.

Postwar

Far from failing as originally expected, a combination of pre-war experience and the personal drive of those accepted for training had resulted in some of the best pilots in the Air Corps. Nevertheless they continued to have to fight racism. Their combat record did much to quiet those directly involved with the group (notably bomber crews who often requested them for escort), but other units were less than interested and continued to harass them. In one event 100 of the men attempted to enter an officer's mess in the US and were refused, eventually receiving official reprimands for doing something that was illegal to deny them.

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All of these events appear to have simply stiffened their resolve to fight for their own rights in the US. After the war the Tuskegee Airmen once again found themselves isolated, but a series of events over the next few years would end this. Perhaps the most important changes occurred when the 332nd entered the 1949 gunnery competition and won, while at the same time commanders across the US were looking for experienced pilots and crew. The result was the official end of segregation, ordered in 1948 by Harry S. Truman with Executive Order 9981. The Tuskegee Airmen now found themselves in high demand throughout the newly formed United States Air Force.

Related Topics:
1949 - 1948 - Harry S. Truman - Executive Order 9981 - United States Air Force

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The Tuskegee Airmen continued and expanded a tradition that began with Bessie Coleman. Their effect on American culture is undeniable. The Tuskegee Airmen are even represented in the G.I. Joe action figure series.

Related Topics:
Bessie Coleman - G.I. Joe

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The airfield where the airmen trained is now the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.

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