Tuskegee Airmen, Inc®
Atlanta Chapter
 

NEWS

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 29, 2007

President Bush Participates in Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen
United States Capitol

  2:23 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Please be seated. Thank you. Madam Speaker, Mr. Leader, members of Congress, Secretary Powell, distinguished guests: You know, the Speaker and I had the honor of having our picture taken with you, and as I walked into the rotunda, a place that occasionally I get invited up here and I walk into, I was impressed by the fact that I wasn't amongst heroes who were statues. I was impressed that I was amongst heroes who still live. (Applause.) I thank you for the honor you have brought to our country. And the medal you're about to receive means our country honors you, and rightly so.

I want to thank Senator Carl Levin and Sergeant Rangel. (Laughter.) Excuse me, Mr. Chairman. (Applause.) I thank you for your leadership on this issue. I have a strong interest in World War II airmen. I was raised by one. He flew with a group of brave young men who endured difficult times in the defense of our country. Yet for all they sacrificed and all they lost, in a way, they were very fortunate, because they never had the burden of having their every mission, their every success, their every failure viewed through the color of their skin. Nobody told them they were a credit to their race. Nobody refused to return their salutes. Nobody expected them to bear the daily humiliations while wearing the uniform of their country.

It was different for the men in this room. When America entered World War II, it might have been easy for them to do little for our country. After all, the country didn't do much for them. Even the Nazis asked why African American men would fight for a country that treated them so unfairly. Yet the Tuskegee airmen were eager to join up.

You know, I'm interested in the story about a young man who was so worried that the Army might change its mind about allowing him to fly, that he drove immediately to the train station. He left his car, as well as $1,000 worth of photography equipment. He never saw his car, he never saw his camera, but he became a flyer.

These men in our presence felt a special sense of urgency. They were fighting two wars: One was in Europe, and the other took place in the hearts and minds of our citizens. That's why we're here. The white commander of the Tuskegee airfield was once asked -- with all seriousness -- how do African Americans fly? -- reflecting the ignorance of the times, they said, how do African Americans fly? He said, "Oh, they fly just like everybody else flies -- stick and rudder." Soon, Americans in their kitchens and living rooms were reading the headlines. You probably didn't realize it at the time, but you were making headlines at home, headlines that spoke about daring pilots winning a common battle.

And little by little, every victory at war was translated to a victory here in the United States. And we're in the presence of men who are earning those victories, important victories, leaders who pierced the unquestioned prejudices of a different society. You gave African Americans a sense of pride and possibility.

You saw that pride and awe, I'm sure you remember, in the faces of young children who came up to you right after the war and tugged and your uniforms and said, "Mister, can you really fly an airplane?" Some of you have been in Germany and Iraq, and you still see that sense of pride.

I appreciate your going. I appreciate the fact that one of our young soldiers today took pictures for -- of you for a scrapbook for his children. I appreciate the fact that one of our soldiers today said, "It's not often that you get a chance to meet the guys who have paved the path for you." (Applause.)

The Tuskegee Airmen helped win a war, and you helped change our nation for the better. Yours is the story of the human spirit, and it ends like all great stories do -- with wisdom and lessons and hope for tomorrow. And the medal that we confer today means that we're doing a small part to ensure that your story will be told and honored for generations to come. (Applause.)

And I would like to offer a gesture to help atone for all the unreturned salutes and unforgivable indignities. And so, on behalf of the office I hold, and a country that honors you, I salute you for the service to the United States of America. (Applause.)

(The Congressional Gold Medal is conferred.) (Applause.)

END 2:34 P.M. EDT

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Charles B.Rangel
Member of Congress
Hero of the Month

Member of congress Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) authored legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that created the Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal. The legislation, H.R. 1259, conferred the Congressional Gold medal on the Tuskegee Airmen in recognition of their heroism in World War II.  The House of Representatives passed it in its final version on February 28, 2006, and by the U. S. Senate on  March 27th. President George Bush signed the bill into law April 11, 2006 Congressman Rangel said, "The Tuskegee Airmen  made a mark in the annals of American Military history that could not be ignored or denied the way so many others were." They were a group of about 1300 African-American pilots, navigators, bombardiers and gunners comprising the segregated 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the Army Air Forces during World War II . Their  name was taken from the segregated airfield in Tuskegee Alabama, where they trained. Congressman  Rangel continued by saying, this is the culmination of a huge effort by many people to grant the recognition to the Tuskegee Airmen that they have earned and so well deserve. "Congressman Rangel said. "I especially want to thank Senator Carl Levin of Michigan who carried this bill successfully in the Senate and worked with me every step of the way to get us to this day." The Gold Medal, Congress' most distinguished civilian award will  be presented to the Tuskegee Airmen collectively in ceremonies in the U.S. Capital rotunda in Washington, D.C. on March 29, 2007. As authorized under the law, the President will present the specially designed Gold Medal on behalf of Congress.  Designed by the U.S. Mint, the award medal containing 15 ounces of gold will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and made available for temporary display at museums around the country. Bronze replicas will be stamped for sale to the Public. Congressman Charles B. Rangel is serving his eighteenth term as the Representative from the 15th Congressional district, comprising East and Central Harlem, the Upper West Side, and Washington Heights/Inglewood. Congressman Rangel is the  Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Chairman of the Board of the Democratic Congressional Campaign committee and Dean of the New York State Congressional Delegation.

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AWARD OF a Congressional Gold Medal
on behalf of the Tuskegee Airmen
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
March 29, 2007

On March 29, 2007, our nation will pay tribute to the World War II Black aviators by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the Tuskegee Airmen, collectively, in recognition of their unique military record, which inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces. The ceremony will take place in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. 

Overall, some 992 Black pilots graduated from the pilot training program of the Tuskegee Army Air Field between July 1941 and June 1946.  450 Black fighter pilots fought in World War II aerial battles over North Africa, Sicily, and Europe. These gallant men flew 15,553 sorties and 1,578 missions. They we reverently referred to as Black Redtail Angels because of their reputation of not losing bombers to enemy fighters. 

For every Black pilot, there were 12 other civilian or military Black men and women performing ground support duties. Many of these men and women remained in the military service during the post-World War II era and spearheaded the integration of the Armed Forces of the United States. 

The award of a Congressional Gold Medal will mark for all time the contributions to our nation of these courageous Black men and women.                                                 

 

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OTS incorporates Tuskegee Airmen into new curriculum Retired Col. R. J. Lewis, a second generation Tuskegee Airman, speaks with Air Force Officer Training School students Oct. 19 at Robert Moton Field in Tuskegee, Ala. More than 85 officer trainees visited various historic sites in Tuskegee as part of an expanded curriculum to enhance trainees knowledge in the Air Force's history and heritage -- particularly the services' first black aviators, the Tuskegee Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo)   by Staff Sgt. Jason Lake Air University Public Affairs 10/20/2006 - MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, AL. (AFPN) -- Trainees attending Officer Training School to become future leaders of the Air Force will now get a chance to visit where the Air Force's first black pilots attended training more than 60 years ago.  Officials at the school recently approved a curriculum plan that includes tours to facilities where the Army Air Corps' first black aviators, the Tuskegee Airmen, made history.  The plan also includes classroom instruction, movie presentations and briefings from distinguished Tuskegee aviators such as retired Col. R.J. Lewis, who took the first 86 trainees through the historic sites at Tuskegee University and Robert Moton Field in Tuskegee Oct. 19. Colonel Lewis also shared some of his personal experiences with other legendary Tuskegee Airmen such as Generals Benjamin O. Davis Jr. and Daniel "Chappie" James.  "This partnering of the Air Force's OTS and Tuskegee's historic Robert Moton Field is a direct response to the Air Force chief of staff's call for all Airmen to learn more about and embrace their proud heritage," said Lt. Col. Hans Palaoro, 24th Training Squadron commander. "We are expanding the OTS history curriculum to do just that."  Officer Trainee Gerry Thompson, an 11-year Air Force veteran, said the visit to Tuskegee inspired him both professionally and personally.  "Before going out there, all I really knew about the Tuskegee Airmen was what I saw in Hollywood (movies)," explained the former technical sergeant. "Listening to Colonel Lewis was inspirational and motivational because despite all the prejudice and discrimination, the Tuskegee Airmen had the strength and perseverance to maintain a standard of excellence that was truly amazing."  Trainee Thompson said he was so impressed that he plans to come back to Tuskegee with his family.  "The Tuskegee Airmen made history and opened doors of opportunity for minorities," he said. "I'm definitely coming back when (the renovations are) done and I'm bringing my family so they can see where black aviation first started."  In addition to bringing the history lesson to life, the visit also shared "real-world" stories and mentorship from people like Colonel Lewis to reinforce lessons and theories of leadership taught in the classroom, Colonel Palaoro said. Incorporating Tuskegee's proud history into the curriculum without cutting other course material took some creative thinking, but they were still able to develop a successful plan for implementation, said Maj. George Scheers, 24th Training Squadron director of operations.  Capt. Arnold Bowen, 24th TRS assistant director of operations, added students will now have a standardized training schedule instead of weekly schedules that varied for each class due to holidays. This allows officials to focus more on courses such as history and heritage, cultural awareness and Air Expeditionary Force skills as outlined by the Air Force chief of staff.  OTS officials said some of the new curriculum changes will be added gradually until a new expanded syllabus is implemented in fiscal year 2008.

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The Tuskegee Airmen and The Science of Flight
By Dr. Brian Williams

As a child, I was infatuated with the idea of flight. Like many children, I dreamed of flying the incredible planes pictured in the magazines and books I read. Therefore, you can imagine my excitement when I was recently invited to a meeting of the Atlanta Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. I was also happy to see all they were doing to get kids interested in aviation science!
 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Tuskegee Airmen, they represent a rich and powerful piece of United States history. In short, The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American pilots in the U.S. military. Prior to 1940, African Americans were barred from flying for the United States military. Pressure from civil rights organizations and the press resulted in the formation of the 99th Pursuit Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Corps. The 99th, commanded by Lt. Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., was the first segregated, African American flight squadron. The first class of thirteen began training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field at Tuskegee, Alabama. Five successfully completed the training and graduated in March 1942. From 1942 through 1946, nine hundred and ninety-four pilots graduated from the program, receiving commissions and pilot wings.

In 1943, the Tuskegee Airmen entered WWII. Later that year, the army activated three more African American flight squadrons. Together with the 99th, they constituted the 332nd Fighter Group…The Fighting Red Tails (the Tuskegee Airmen painted the tails of their P-51 Mustangs bright red). The 332nd was the only WWII escort group that did not lose a bomber to enemy planes. In all, the Tuskegee Airmen flew 1,578 missions, destroyed 261 enemy aircraft, and won over 850 medals.

So what do the Tuskegee Airmen have to do with science? In addition to maintaining this piece of our history, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. are dedicated to introducing children to the exciting world of aviation. Chapters of the organization can be found throughout the United States. Many of the chapters have aviation science programs for children. For example, The Young Eagles program gives interested young people, ages 8-17, the opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. The flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers. While Young Eagles is a national program, there are also a number of local programs sponsored by local chapters of the Tuskegee Airmen (e.g. ACE Camp in Atlanta, Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum in Los Angeles, and The Mile High Flight Program in Denver). For a complete list of programs, check here. Take some time to contact the Tuskegee Airmen chapter in your area. Help to preserve this vital piece of our history and pass on a love of the science of flight!
 

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Tolling bell reminds Tuskegee Airmen of legacy Unit whose fighter pilots never lost a bomber that they escorted fears failure to pass the torch to a new generation. By Ron Martz The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 10/01/06 Virtually every week brings news of another death or two or more. With each death of an original Tuskegee Airman, a unique piece of military history is lost. When these African-American men, who more than 60 years ago were the vanguard of the integration of the military, gather at their annual convention, they pause to remember those who have passed on. Last month in Phoenix, a small brass bell tolled 53 times —- once for each airman who died since last year's convention. Most of the surviving Tuskegee Airmen are in their 80s; the youngest in their late 70s. Many use canes or wheelchairs to get around. As their health worsens and their numbers decline, those surviving worry that what they fought for and accomplished is being overlooked or ignored. "We were kind of trailblazers and need to pass that torch on to the next generation," said Val Archer, 77, of Atlanta, who trained as an airplane crew chief near the end of the war. Ron Brewington, a spokesman for Tuskegee Airmen Inc., a nonprofit group attempting to preserve the legacy, said fewer than 400 original airmen are still alive, about 130 of them pilots. The designation "original Tuskegee Airman" includes anyone who served in any of the programs associated with what was known as "The Tuskegee Experience" from 1941-49, whether as a cook, mechanic, supply clerk, bombardier or any other capacity, Brewington said. The mission now of those surviving is to ensure that future generations are aware of them and the sacrifices they made. Before World War II, African-Americans were considered incapable of handling complicated machinery, much less an airplane. An infamous 1925 Army War College study titled "The Use of Negro Manpower in War" concluded that "black men were cowards and poor technicians and fighters, lacking initiative and resourcefulness." It recommended that blacks be segregated from whites because blacks were "a subspecies of the human population." "They didn't think we were even human," said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Dryden, 86, of Atlanta, one of only 994 Tuskegee Airmen to become pilots. "That was our main obstacle we had to overcome. The irony is that we turned out to be the best the Air Force had in terms of fighter escort." Pressured by the black press, civil rights organizations and several lawsuits, the Army finally agreed to establish training for black pilots in 1941 at Tuskegee Institute in eastern Alabama. Once established, the Tuskegee Airmen compiled an enviable record through the end of the war. Unit records claim 111 German airplanes destroyed in the air, 150 more on the ground and nearly 1,000 rail cars and motor vehicles destroyed. The most noteworthy accomplishment of the "Red Tails," as they were known because of the color they painted the tails of their fighters, was that they never lost a bomber they were escorting in more than 200 missions, a record no other unit can claim. "It's sort of flabbergasting, but that's the way it was. We were good," Dryden said. But those who became Tuskegee Airmen knew they had to be better than good because they were setting the standard for others. They were an experiment that was being closely watched. "We had the feeling that wherever we went, whatever our skills were, we've got to be No. 1. That's the kind of standard that our commanding officer, Ben Davis, set for us," Dryden said. Even now, Dryden said, the airmen are conscious of how they act and react in public. "We feel we have to maintain the highest standards of integrity, honesty, perseverance [and] top-flight performance. Second-best is never acceptable for the people who went through Tuskegee," he said. Sixty years ago, few said they felt they were being pioneers in race relations or integration. "I've never looked at it as being a pioneer because [my] attitude was, 'Grade me on my ability and what I do and not the color of my skin,' " said retired Air Force Col. Charles McGee, 86, of Bethesda, Md. McGee, who also flew in Korea and Vietnam before retiring, said it did not dawn on many Tuskegee Airmen until after President Harry Truman ordered the military integrated in 1948 that they had done something extraordinary. "We began to realize at least we did something right, given the opportunity. That has kind of been our motivation as Tuskegee Airmen, to preserve the experience," McGee said. To that end they make themselves available to speak at schools and civic organizations, trying to impress on young African-Americans the importance of self-reliance, dignity and integrity. Tuskegee Airmen "didn't look for alibis about why they couldn't do things, despite the pressures," said Lee Archer, 86, of New Rochelle, N.Y., the only confirmed ace among the airmen with five German planes shot down. "I think it's important to young African-American males to know that you don't look for alibis when you can't do something. You do the best you can," said Archer (no relation to Val Archer). Robert McDaniel, 83, a bombardier with the Tuskegee Airmen, said despite their best efforts, they have been unable to reach a wider audience through textbooks and history books. He attributes it to the lingering taint of prejudice. "In every war I've ever read about, there have been black folk involved, but it doesn't generally get into the history books and the history books get into the classrooms, and that's where the students become aware of the history of the black folk of the United States," said McDaniel of Fort Worth, Texas, who spent 37 years as an educator. Earlier this year, Congress authorized the minting of a gold medal to honor the Tuskegee Airmen that many of them believe will also keep alive their legacy. That medal, however, is not expected to be presented to the surviving airmen until sometime next year. By then, said Val Archer, "I'm not sure how many of us will be left."

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 2006 Contact: Press Office Phone: 202.228.3685 Congress Approves Bill to Honor Tuskegee Airmen with Congressional Gold Medal WASHINGTON – Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., today hailed final approval of legislation to collectively honor the Tuskegee Airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal. The bill highlights the courageous accomplishments of the airmen as pilots as well as the revolutionary reforms they inspired in the Armed Forces. The House of Representatives approved the bill earlier – which was sponsored by Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y. – and it now will go to the President for his signature. “The Tuskegee Airmen were a heroic and trailblazing force in the struggle for civil rights and are richly deserving of the highest honor that Congress can bestow upon them,” said Levin, who wrote and sponsored the bipartisan bill, which included 77 cosponsors. “I am proud to play a part in ensuring that their legacy is enshrined in American history.” “This heroic group of African-American flyers fought in two types of battles—the battle of World War II and the battle against racism at home,” said Stabenow. “These soldiers are a vital part of both America’s and Michigan’s history, and I am thrilled they will finally receive the recognition they deserve.” The Tuskegee Airmen were not only unique in their military record, but they inspired revolutionary reform in the armed forces, paving the way for integration of the armed services in the U.S. The largely college-educated Tuskegee Airmen overcame the enormous challenges of prejudice and discrimination, succeeding despite obstacles that threatened failure. What made these men exceptional was their willingness to leave their families and put their lives on the line to defend rights that were denied them here at home. The story of the Tuskegee Airmen began in 1941 when President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the creation of an all black flight training program at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. President Roosevelt did so one day after the NAACP filed suit in federal court on behalf of a Howard University student and others to force the Department of Defense to accept black pilot trainees. The first aviation cadet class of 13 young black pilot candidates began training at Tuskegee Army Air Field in the summer of 1941. In September 1941, Captain Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., a West Point graduate, became the first African American to fly solo as a U.S. Army Air Corps officer. In March 1942, five young black pilots, including Davis, successfully completed training and received Army Air Corps silver pilot wings. Davis later became the first African American to rise to the rank of general in the U.S. Air Force. Four hundred fifty African-American fighter pilots fought in aerial battles over North Africa, Sicily and Europe during World War II. Sixty-six of the pilots died in combat, while another 33 were shot down and captured as prisoners of war. The Tuskegee Airmen were credited with 261 aircraft destroyed, 148 aircraft damaged, 15,553 combat sorties and 1,578 missions. In addition, as an escort fighter wing they never lost a bomber to enemy fighters. German pilots feared and respected them. White American bomber crews referred to them as "Redtailed Angels" because of the bright red paint on the tail assemblies and because of their reputation for not losing bombers to enemy fighters. Altogether, almost 1,000 African-American pilots graduated from Tuskegee Institute, with the last class finishing in June 1946. Michigan shares a rich history with the Tuskegee Airmen. In addition to their training at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, in subsequent years some of the airmen trained at Selfridge Field and Oscoda Field. The late Coleman Young, former mayor of the City of Detroit, trained as a navigator bombardier for the 477th bombardment group of the Tuskegee Airmen. This group was still in training when WWII ended so they never saw combat. However, the important fact is that all of those receiving flight-related training – nearly 1,000 – were instrumental in breaking the segregation barrier. They all had a willingness to see combat and committed themselves to the segregated training with a purpose to defend their country. Congress recognizes outstanding achievements through the commissioning of Congressional Gold Medals. Since 1776, approximately 300 people and the American Red Cross have received this honor. Awardees include individuals from diverse backgrounds including the military, arts, athletics, aviation, exploration, politics, religion, medicine, science and entertainment.

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February 25, 2005

Airmen finally get their place in history
Park Service begins work in Tuskegee
Judy Sheppard - For the Journal-Constitution
 

Tuskegee, Ala. --- Of almost 1,000 young men who once came to this place in east Alabama to prove that blacks could fly, only nine or 10 returned Thursday. Men in their 80's now, walked slowly over the cracked tarmac of this small airfield ringed by woods and pastures.

But they were like rock stars to the dazzled hundreds who gathered at Moton Field to see ground broken for the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, which the National Park Service plans to return to its 1941 state to honor some of the most fabled war --- and civil rights --- heroes of this country.

After all, "there were people who didn't want black folk to have guns, not to mention airplanes," said Tuskegee University President Benjamin Payton. "This is the group that had to fight for the opportunity to fight. . . . This landmark is not about black America, but all America. Americans need to know this story, not just black Americans."

The project has been in the works since 1998, when then-Rep. Bob Riley (R-Ala.), now Alabama governor, obtained a $2 million commitment from Congress and the Park Service. Three years ago, the crumbling, sometimes roofless brick buildings at the site were shored up and stabilized.

Site preparation and design has already begun, and a parking area and a scenic overlook where tourists can view the airfield as it's transformed should be finished this fall, said Robert Bass, president of Atlanta-based Hartrampf, which is overseeing the project.

When complete --- 2009 is hoped for, but 2011 may be more realistic, Bass said --- tourists will be able to roam through the renovated Skyview Club, where trainees relaxed. Two hangars filled with airplanes and exhibits, including searchable archives and oral histories, the control tower and a number of other offices and buildings long ago lost to neglect also will be open to the public.

The Park Service has committed $6 million, but the final cost of the three-phase project may be closer to $29 million, said Don Brown, one of the Montgomery architects working on the design.

"I've been assured we'll have uninterrupted construction from this point forward," Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) said. For the men who were autographing programs, model airplanes and books about the Tuskegee Airmen at the daylong celebration Thursday, the project means the United States won't forget how hard some of its citizens had to work to be heroes.

The unit completed 1,578 missions, shot down 260 enemy planes and sank a German destroyer. On 200 missions to escort slow-flying bombers, the airmen never lost a single plane. "It was an assemblage of black brainpower that had never occurred before or since for any operation," said Bill Childs, 81, who was a fixture among the airmen as he worked alongside them on the planes. "We knew failure was built into this 'experiment,' and we were d-damn-determined there wouldn't be any failure."

Yet the pilots were not allowed in the officers clubs at the airbases where they were stationed and, returning as decorated heroes after the war, found getting jobs difficult and segregation still firmly in place.

There was remembered bitterness among the old pilots, but much enjoyment, too. The skies were filled with flyovers --- roaring F-16s and droning PT-17s and BT-13s, the planes the pilots trained on --- and skydivers, scribbling red, white and blue smoke overhead and floating down on a huge American flag. The U.S. Air Force Reserve Band played, about 100 Air Force officers were in attendance and dignitaries packed the tents erected for the ceremonies.

From March 12 to 16, another commemoration will be held in Washington, including a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and receptions at the Library of Congress and Smithsonian Institution.

But in rural Alabama, people held out pen and paper for an autograph every time they spotted an elderly man in a badge or a blue insignia cap. "Yes, people always want to talk to me, when they know I'm an original Tuskegee Airman," Col. H.F. Ford said.

Even the young, after a convocation in the Tuskegee University Chapel, cadets in the college ROTC program asked for autographs and for answers, their eyes starry.

"It's a humbling experience" to meet them, Cadet Lt. Col. Finis White said. "A lot of us here at Tuskegee, we take a lot for granted. But here we get to actually talk to the airmen, find out what they went through to get here and what they went through to get us here."

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