In the presence of heroes: Seven original members of World War II era Tuskegee Airmen will attend Air Show

  • Published
  • By Clay Kraby
  • 319th Services Squadron
Grand Forks AFB, ND --  During the Thunder over the Red River air show we have the opportunity to view aircraft and aerobatic performances. Seeing these aircraft is a treat, but getting to meet the individuals who truly created the legends is an opportunity that is rare still. 

Seven original members of the World War II era Tuskegee Airmen will be present at Saturday's event. To some, "Tuskegee Airmen" is merely the name of a boulevard on base. The much broader truth is that these Airmen proudly stood up to serve their country not only in a time of war, but in a time of racial discrimination. In doing so, they helped defend America and free her allies from the threat of tyranny, oppression and fascism. Simultaneously, they were pioneers who lead the way to an integrated military, which would eventually help to correct the trend of racial intolerance in our nation. 

Reviewing the history of the Tuskegee Airmen reveals immediate hardships; hardships that time and again were overcome by these determined young men. Until this point in time, combat pilots were exclusively white. Legislation from Congress eventually resulted in the formation of an all black combat unit within the Army Air Corps. 

Despite the efforts of those who wished for the military to remain fully segregated, many young, black men volunteered to serve their country in the Air Corps. This initial enlistment in June 1941 became the backbone of the newly formed 99th Fighter Squadron, formed up in Tuskegee, Ala., the group's namesake. This basic training produced pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staffs that were sent into combat during America's first operations of WWII. 

The 99th FS would eventually become a part of the all black 332nd Fighter Group, but not until after being awarded two Presidential Unit Citations for outstanding air support and aerial combat. The 332nd FG also consisted of the 100th, the 301st, and the 302nd Fighter Squadrons. Before the end of the war, the men of the 332nd FG would see action in North Africa, Sicily and Europe while flying several aircraft: the P-40 Warhawk, P-39 Airacobra, P-47 Thunderbolt, and P-51 Mustang. 

The 332nd FG repeatedly distinguished itself in combat throughout the war. The most notable achievement may be that not a single bomber was ever lost to enemy fire during more than 200 combat missions. This seemingly impossible feat was unmatched by any other fighter group. This record lead to the Tuskegee fighter pilots being nicknamed the "Red Tail Angels" by the bombers they escorted, the "Red Tail" being a reference to their distinctive plane markings. The commander of the 332nd, Col. Benjamin Davis, Jr., would later become the Air Force's first black general. 

During the Air Show, be sure to seize the opportunity to thank these men. Thank them not only for being brave enough to help pave the way for the desegregation of our military, but for being part of that great generation who more than 60 years ago did nothing less than save the world.