On Freedom's Wings: The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen part 5

To own your own copy of this program go to:
http://www.paveteransmuseum.org/home/index.php

"On Freedoms Wings, Bound for Glory" is the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a WWII Army Air Corps experimental program to train and commission African-American aviators during a time when all U.S. Armed Forces were racially segregated. So-called because their flight school was located at a small base in Tuskegee, Alabama, the Tuskegee Airmen would encounter numerous obstacles as they broke Military color barriers, debunking long-time, deeply held beliefs that Blacks could not be skilled combat fighter pilots.

This small band of daring pilots would eventually make U.S. Military Aviation history, never losing an American bomber they were assigned to protect against German fighters in 200 missions. During the closing months of WWII in Europe, the distinctive Red Tail Mustangs flown by the Tuskegee Airmen became legendary, a welcome sight for beleaguered American bomber crews who were being shot down at an alarming rate.

The one-hour film opens current day, in Balad, Iraq, where the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is headquartered, and closes with the 2007 presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal by President George Bush.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Tuskegee
• Airmen
• part
• WWII
• African
• American
• pilots

[LizzyJaye]

...one of the few things that George got right.

[Historystartsnow]

Pretty much the only thing he got right...

[lutherheggs]

So where are the black fighter pilots NOW?

[Historystartsnow]

They retired. You can't expect them to fly forever they're simply too old. I think some of them might have gotten involved with educating the public.

[igeboi]

I know, i truly understand your point, am only looking at it from another point. In all the Tuskegee guys did all of that with there sweat and valor, today blacks in the USA or in d armed force can all smile for the pain of those guys which is now their gain.

[Historystartsnow]

True

[archelonprime]

Although their conduct on this occasion seemed good, George W. Bush, Nancy Pelosi and Charles Rangel were NOT worthy to be on the same stage as the Tuskegee Airmen.

[tbump74]

Truly enjoyed the video and I'm so very proud of their legacy. Their committed service makes present my service in the Army worth while! THANK YOU TUSKEGEE AIRMEN!!!

[flyngangel2003]

@TheToolDaddy YES indeed, is true, the never loose one bomber, in the US National Archive, you can find all the info u may want :)

Their technique for that time was so impressive and innovative, that the made it, to protect those bombers and their mission.

[flyngangel2003]

There was a Time. when courage and valor, humbleness and respect mean something, and those guys who had to fight against some many discrimination's and enemy's deserve Respect, Deserve Forever Memory, deserve Our Eternal Love and GRATITUDE, NO MATTER THE COUNTRY WE ARE FROM. You all, represent such a great lesson for all of us, Thank you so much for all you have done, for us :)

Man from Tuskegee ,, I respect you and honor you, but most of all..

I salute you!!

Capt, Gabriel Ispas R.A.F

[TheToolDaddy]

Loved it! A very touching and informative film of some truely inspiring men. They ARE HEROS an inspiration to all mankind. As a species we have come so far due to people like them both black and white.Thanks the heavens.The only question I have is whether they truely never lost a bomber during escort duty? I like the myth that they never did, but history will tell. The claims that they did and the research behind it needs to be put out there, if it is so? After so many decades why these claims?

[RoopDaddy86]

Well Done Mr. President. Well Done.

[lillea01]

Great movie! Thanks for sharing and thank you Tuskegee Airmen for leaving a great legacy for me and my children.

[timwik2]

where are the black fighters today? they are serveing in the arrned services today. there sons, daughters, grandchildren. we might not be perfect but may we get the chance to make it better everyday

[TheIsohlap]

Thank you Tuskegee brethren. I am a Micronesian who's life has been touched by your sacrifice. Thank you.

[Dogmeat1950]

@adansierra no such thing as God. Just pure human will to fight and live on and do what's right.