The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who enlisted to become America's first black military airmen, at a time when there were many people who thought that black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism.

The black airmen who became single-engine or multi-engine pilots were trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAAF) in Tuskegee Alabama. Many of the four hundred and fifty of the pilots who were trained at TAAF served overseas in either the 99th Pursuit Squadron. They were later joined by the 100th, 301st and the 302nd African-American fighter squadrons. Together these squadrons formed the 332nd fighter group. Among other operations, the airmen successfully escorted numerous bomber missions over Sicily, the Mediterranean
and North Africa. Bomber crews named the Tuskegee Airmen "Red-Tail Angels" after the red tail markings on their aircraft. The German Luftwaffe called them
"Black Bird Men."

The outstanding record of black airmen in World War II was accomplished by men whose names will forever live in hallowed memory. Each one accepted the challenge, proudly displayed his skill and determination while suppressing internal anger from humiliation and indignation caused by a segregated military and frequent experiences of racism and bigotry, at home and overseas.

The Tuskegee Airmen were awarded numerous high honors, including Distinguished Flying Crosses, Legions of Merit, Silver Stars, Purple Hearts, and the Croix de Guerre. A distinguished Unit Citation was awarded to the 332nd Fighter Group for "outstanding performance and extraordinary heroism"
in 1945.