Real Hero Report |
Frederick Kimble as Commander at Tuskegee Army Air Field. As
the top man in charge, his positive support improved morale and
added to the program’s success.
Under the command of Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., the 332nd
participated in bomber escort missions, and were assigned to
because of the red-tail markings on their aircraft. The German
pilots were killed in combat, while another thirty-two were shot
down and captured.
60 hours of training, the cadets would receive their Liaison Pilot
Captain Lawrence B. Johnson, served with the 92nd in Italy.
and 619th) comprised the Bombardment Group. Although the war
would end before the bombers could deploy overseas, they left an
regulations put in place at Freeman Field in Seymour, Indiana,
underwent, 10-day house arrest. In disobeying a direct order from
charge that carried the death penalty, if convicted. Today, known
cursor to the 1960s Civil Rights movement.
3,000 black cadets for the war effort; one-third earned their
wings, which included three Haitians. Another 10,000 or more
trained as ground crews and support personnel.
With the surrender of Germany and later Japan, the 332nd was
O. Davis, Jr., relocated from Godman Field to Lockbourne in
not in the south, but at Lockbourne. After the restoration of the
332nd (now comprising three black squadrons, 99th, 100th and
the men and women of the 332nd were transferred to formerly
all-white bases worldwide.
The persistence, performance and patriotism of the Tuskegee
Airmen in combat and at home proved unequivocally that blacks
out of anonymity.
The local Atlanta Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. meets
monthly at the Fulton County Aviation Community Cultural
preserve the Airmen legacy, promote a spirit of good will, and
expose youth to opportunities in aviation.
Tuskegee Airmen surrounded by family, friends and members of the
Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. at Fulton County Aviation
Community Cultural Center in Atlanta.
(Photo by John
Glenn)
right): Earl Martin (seated) and Thomas Bristow (standing). Mr. Martin’s
daughter, Gaylita, looks on.