The Tuskegee Airmen History

Due to the rigid pattern of racial segregation that prevailed in the United States during World War II, approximately 992 Black military aviators were trained at an isolated complex near the town of Tuskegee Alabama.  Under the command of COL Benjamin O. Davis, 450 Black fighter pilots fought in the aerial war over North Africa, Sicily and Europe.  These gallant men flew 15,553 sorties and completed 1,578 missions in P-39, P-40, P-47 and P-51 aircraft.

They were called “Schwartze Vogelmenshen” (Black Birdmen) by the Germans who both feared and respected them.  White American bomber crews reverently referred to them as “ the Black Red Tail Angels” due to the identifying red paint on their tail assemblies and their reputation for not losing a single escorted bomber to enemy fighters.  All told, these Black flyers were credited with 275 air kills, 325 additional aircraft destroyed on the ground and even an enemy destroyer that was sunk with gun fire during a strafing mission.  Their awards and decorations included 715 Air Medals, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses and one Silver Star.

For every Black pilot, there were ten other civilian or military Black men and women on ground support duty.  Many of these men and women remained in the military after World War II and spearheaded the integration of the U.S. Air Force in 1949.  Three of these airmen were ultimately promoted to General; the late General Daniel “Chappie” James, General (Ret) Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., and Major General (Ret) Lucius Theus.

In 1972, the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. was founded.  Organized as a non-military and non-profit entity, the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. exist primarily to motivate and inspire young Americans to pursue aviation related careers.   

Currently, there are 45 Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. chapters located in major cities and regions throughout the United States.  While the membership is comprised principally of  veterans and various active and reserve military personnel, membership is swelling due to a number of civilians who demonstrate a sincere interest in helping the organization achieve its goals and objectives.