The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces. These men and women served in World War II and flew over 15,000 sorties. They were highly decorated for their bravery and skill in combat.
The Tuskegee Airmen were formed as a result of the racial discrimination that existed in the U.S. military at the time. African Americans were not allowed to fly combat aircraft, but a group of Black leaders, including civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, lobbied the government for the right to serve. In 1941, the Tuskegee Army Air Field was established in Alabama, and training for the first Black fighter pilot class began.
How did they help in World War 2?
The Tuskegee Airmen had an impressive combat record during World War II. They were credited with shooting down over 100 German planes and destroying over 250 enemy aircraft on the ground. They also provided escort for bombers, protected Allied ships from enemy submarines, and attacked German communication lines and supply routes.
The Tuskegee Airmen's success was due in part to their excellent training. They were some of the best-trained pilots in the war, and they were known for their precision flying and their ability to work together as a team. Their achievements also helped to break down racial barriers and paved the way for more opportunities for African Americans in the military and in society as a whole.