History of The Tuskegee Airmen

The true story of the Tuskegee Airmen is far broader than one of just aviation and the first American Black Military Pilots and Crewmen to serve during WWII. It is one of this country's shining examples of unwavering human spirit, courage and enduring determination smack in the face of some of the most overwhelming personal odds. In an Experimental Training Program designed to fail from the start, Cadets at Tuskegee Army Air Field, Tuskegee, Alabama went through hell to earn their wings. Cadets endured blatant disrespect, injustice and double standards throughout their training only to prove to themselves, the U.S. Army Air Corp, and their country that they most certainly could pilot aircraft if only given a fair chance. With the great support of Eleanor Roosevelt (wife of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our 32nd President), not only would they become pilots, but would soon become arguably the most skilled aviators—and most feared by the German pilots who fought them—during World War II. However, that is still just part of their story.

What they didn't know at the time was that their personal sacrifice and achievements would forever break new boundaries for both the military and the entire nation. While they battled the Germans in Europe, and racism at home, it would have been difficult for them to imagine that their courage and determination to overcome adversity would soon fuel positive and far-reaching change back home. Their example would ripple throughout the following decades and would be recognized as the birth of the Civil Rights Movement in this country. While many of these veterans came back to the States to start families, careers and go on to become community leaders, many airmen stayed on in the Military to make a career at what they did best, fly aircraft.

In June 2007, inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen, 23 year old Barrington Irving broke a world aviation record by becoming the youngest—and first black—pilot ever to fly solo around the world. The legacy of these courageous airmen is still felt to this day, inspiring new generations of motivated and critical thinking individuals who have a dream of their own to become the best. The story of the Tuskegee Airmen resonates with all who have heard of these pioneers as an inspiring triumph of the human spirit.

Of the milestones, awards and distinctions earned by the Tuskegee Airmen, they themselves define their greatest achievements as "The Four Hurrahs."

First Hurrah: Graduating from Flying School at Tuskegee Army Air Field and being assigned to the 99th Pursuit Squadron and subsequently to the 332nd Fighter Group.

Second Hurrah: The 332nd Fighter Group escorted over 200 bombing missions over Europe during World War II and established a record that would never be equaled.

Last Hurrah: Winning the 2 May 1949 "First Ever" United States Air Force Weapons Meet to become the "First Top Guns". This would not have been possible without the dedication of our Maintenance Personnel. They were the "Best" in the United States Air Force and James Harvey's Crew Chief, Staff Sergeant Buford Johnson, was the "Best of the Best".

Final Hurrah: Receiving the "Congressional Gold Medal" on 29 March 2007.

COMBAT RECORD OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

The so-called "Studies" conducted by the Army War College, depicted the Negro Soldier as lacking in "physical courage" and "psychological characteristics" which made him "Inherently Inferior" to the White Soldier. Therefore, the Negro could not fly or operate heavy equipment. However, the NAACP, the Negro Press and a couple of forward thinking Congressmen, put pressure on the War Department to form a Tactical Unit for Negroes. The War Department finally gave in and designated the 99th Pursuit Squadron to be manned by Negro Pilots graduating from Tuskegee Army Air Field. A "Designed To Fail" program was instituted for Negroes desiring to be pilots in the Army Air Corp. We overcame all of the obstacles (there were plenty) that were placed in our path, to become the "Best Fighter Group" in the Army Air Corp and subsequently the United State Air Force.

DECORATIONS AND STATISTICS OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

COMBAT MISSIONS
Total Missions - 12th Air Force	1,267
Total Missions - 15th Air Force	311
Total Sorties - 12th Air Force	6,381
Total Sorties - 15th Air Force	9,152
Grand Total Missions	1,578
Grand Total Sorties	15,533
Total Number of Pilots Sent Overseas	450
Total Number of Pilots Graduating From Tuskegee	994
Total Pilots Killed In Action	66
Prisoners of War	32

COMBAT RECORD
	Destroyed	Damaged	Total
Aircraft (aerial)	111	25	136
Aircraft (ground)	150	123	273
Barges and Boats	16	24	40
Boxcars, Other Rolling Stock	58	561	619
Buildings and Factories	0	23	23
Gun Emplacements	3	0	3
Destroyers	1	0	1
Horse Drawn Vehicles	15	100	115
Motor Transports	6	81	87
Power Transformers	3	2	5
Locomotives	57	69	126
Radar Installations	1	8	9
Tanks on Flat Cars	0	7	7
Oil and Ammunition Dumps	2	0	2

AWARDS
Legion of Merit	1
Silver Star	1
Soldier Medal	2
Purple Heart	8
Distinguished Flying Cross	95
Bronze Star	14
Air Medal and Clusters	744

The true story of the Tuskegee Airmen is far broader than one of just aviation and the first American Black Military Pilots and Crewmen to serve during WWII. Their story and contributions were not recognized for decades, until the 1995 HBO movie release "The Tuskegee Airmen" presented their inspiring story of unwavering human spirit, courage and enduring determination. The Quest To Be The Best. Not only could black men become pilots, but they were arguably the most skilled aviators of World War II.

Since the film's release there has been a wide misunderstanding that all Tuskegee Airmen flew pursuit and escort missions in Red-Tailed P-51 Mustangs in WWII. Not the case. Only a fraction of these airmen actually flew fighter aircraft, including the P-40, P-47 and P-39. The vast majority of Tuskegee Airmen were assigned to other duties such as ground personnel, nurses, mechanics and instructors. Many also served in the 477th Bombardment Group as navigators, bombardiers, pilots and co-pilots on the B-25 Mitchell.

Lt. Col. James H. Harvey's graduating class.

Likewise, after the 1986 Hollywood release "Top Gun," there has been a wide misconception that this country's first Top Gun Program was developed by the Navy in the 1980's, competing in F-14 Tomcats. Again, not the case. In fact, the military's first "Top Gun" gunnery meet originated decades before and was established by the newly formed Unites States Air Force. What is also virtually unknown, is that Tuskegee Airmen, Captain Alva Temple, 1st Lieutenant Harry Stewart, 1st Lieutenant James H Harvey III and alternate pilot Halbert Alexander, competing in their P-47N Thunderbolts, would go on to win the USAF very "First Top Gun" Weapons Meet (also known as "William Tell" and "Gunsmoke") in May of 1949, at what would later become Nellis AFB. Accolades go to our Maintenance Personnel, because without them the missions could not have been flown with success. They were the Best in the USAF. A special thank you is extended to my aircraft crew chief (then Staff Sergeant) Buford Johnson.


It would be Lt. Col Harvey's natural abilities as a top aviator that would later distinguish him as the military's "First Black" Jet Fighter Pilot to fly missions over Korean Airspace. This website will present the inspiring story of James H Harvey III, the Tuskegee Airmen and the First Top Gun competition along with pages of aviation history and related links. This is the only source available to purchase collectible items commemorating the Tuskegee Airmen and their victory at the 1949 USAF Top Gun weapons meet. We welcome you to "Tuskegee Top Gun."