Tuskegee Airmen

During World War II, African Americans were still subject to discrimination under the Jim Crow laws, with racial segregation extending into the military. However, in 1941, a series of legislative moves by the US Congress forced the Air Corps to form an all black unit. Thus, the 99th Pursuit Squadron was formed.

The group was comprised entirely of African American pilots, all of whom were trained at the Tuskegee Institution. Once the Squadron was deemed ready for combat, they were equipped with P-51 Mustangs, aircraft with which they came to be commonly identified.

The Airmen proved an invaluable help while capturing Sicily, their roles in the attack earning them their first Distinguished Unit Citation. Later, their successful air strikes against German forces earned the Tuskegee Airmen their second Distinguished Unit Citation. The Squadron also acted as escorts for heavy bombers; it was later credited that no aircraft escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen had ever been shot down. After the war, 350 airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal. Approximately 119 of 994 pilots are still alive.

Despite a shining combat record, the pilots of the 99th Squadron still faced discrimination from other units. Their military achievements had done little to quiet the racial discrimination that existed in the U.S.

Grace Mi