Hidden Gems in Black History: Tuskegee Airmen’s Contribution To World War II

The Tuskegee Airmen were a squadron of African-American pilots who served with distinction in the American military during WWII. The Airmen served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and, subsequently, the U.S. Air Force. Their patriotism and bravery shone through as they served their country in the military amid an era of pervasive bigotry. One organization that sought to train African American pilots was the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama was the site of the Airmen’s first training sessions after the program’s establishment in 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, pushed by civil rights groups and African American leaders to provide equal chances in the military, issued an order to establish the program. The original intent of the Tuskegee Airmen’s training was to become a support force. However, the Army Air Corps did come to see the pilots’ ability and finally let them fly combat missions. During WWII, the Airmen flew more than 15,000 sorties, most of which were bomber escort missions. They had an unblemished track record, having successfully escorted every single bomber. Making Significant Contributions To The War Beyond their military duty, the Tuskegee Airmen significantly contributed to the war effort. Additionally, they questioned the prevalent...