First Black Military Aviators: The Tuskegee Airmen

During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in the United States. They were members of the 332d Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces. They were trained at the Tuskegee Institute and helped break down prejudices against African-American pilots. Although many of them died in combat, their achievements surpassed the expectations of their race.

Tuskegee Institute trained the country's first Black military aviators
The Tuskegee Institute began training African-American military aviators on July 19, 1941. The program's mission was to prepare African-American pilots for combat duties, including training for bomber escort missions. Trainees received rigorous ground-school training and were provided full access to aircraft and personnel.

Several of the Tuskegee airmen remained in the Air Force after the 332nd Fighter Group disbanded. General Daniel "Chappie" James served in the 477th Bombardment Group and flew fighter aircraft during the Korean War. He eventually became the Air Force's first African-American four-star general. Another famous Tuskegee Airman was Charles McGee, who served in World War II and the Korean War. He flew 409 combat missions during his career.

Tuskegee Airmen destroyed 112 German aircraft
During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen flew 15,533 combat sorties on 1,578 missions, killing at least 112 German planes. Of these, three Tuskegee Airmen shot down three Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters in the sky over Berlin on March 24, 1945. Three other pilots, Captain Edward Toppins and Joseph Elsberry, destroyed four planes during their time in Europe. The remaining Tuskegee Airmen destroyed another 150 aircraft on the ground.

Tuskegee Airmen were primarily African-American pilots who fought alongside the Allies during World War II. Their actions proved that African Americans could fly combat aircraft, breaking the barrier of segregation in the United States military. As a result, they helped pave the way for full integration of the U.S. military following World War II.

They shattered stereotypes about black pilots
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first all-black air force unit in the history of the United States. Despite being predicted that they would fail, they surpassed the expectations of their superiors, breaking down the preconceived notions of black pilots.

These pioneering black pilots fought against the Germans during World War II and dismantled the overtly racist policies of the American military. They also helped pave the way for the desegregation of the Army in 1948.

They flew missions in second-hand P-40 planes
The Tuskegee Airmen were young African-American men who joined the army to become fighter pilots. They were selected after passing comprehensive entrance exams, which tested their physical, psychological, and medical aptitudes. They then underwent ground school, where they studied meteorology and flight theory. Eventually, they were assigned to Tuskegee Army Field, Alabama. This was a suitable base because of its ideal weather conditions, especially during the winter.

Despite the challenges they faced during their training and their subsequent return home, the Tuskegee Airmen showed a great desire to serve their country. Their efforts ultimately contributed to the racial integration of the military in 1948. Today, African-Americans make up 17 percent of active-duty servicemen, and 40 percent of the entire military is made up of racial or ethnic minorities.

They destroyed bombers
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and got their name from the small town in east Alabama where they trained. Throughout their service, they destroyed more than 100 enemy bombers. They were credited with never losing an American bomber under escort, which is a remarkable accomplishment for a group of black pilots.

Over 15 years of service, the Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 15,000 combat sorties and shot down more than a hundred German bombers. One notable event was the shot down of three Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters over Berlin on March 24, 1945. Captain Edward Toppins and Captain Joseph Elsberry each shot down four planes during their service in Europe. However, none of the men got a fifth "kill," although they destroyed more than 150 planes on the ground.

They earned Congressional Gold Medals
In 2001, President George W. Bush awarded the Congressional Gold Medals to the Tuskegee Airmen, which is the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress. In addition to the medals, each Tuskegee Airman received a bronze replica of the medal.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first group of African-American pilots to enter the United States Army Air Corps. They fought alongside white soldiers during World War II, and their service to the country earned them the honor of Congressional Gold Medals. The medal depicts the Tuskegee Airmen, three of whom are pictured in profile on the medal's reverse. In addition to the three Tuskegee Airmen, the medal also features an eagle with its wings spread, representing flight, nobility, and the nation's highest ideals.