The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators who served during World War II. Because of the segregation practices of that era, blacks were not allowed to serve alongside white soldiers in the military. It was wrongly presumed that African Americans did not possess the intellect to fly military aircraft in combat. However, political and public pressure resulted in “an experiment” and the formation of an all African-American pursuit squadron based in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1941. They became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Airmen were subject to the rigorous training and 992 successfully graduated from the program as military pilots. The Tuskegee Airmen flew over 15,000 sorties in North Africa and Europe during the war. They were highly decorated and famously known for their exceptional record as bomber escorts. The honorable service of these men led to the desegregation of our military.

The struggle for acceptance and the willingness to serve in the aviation community is a common link between the NGPA and the Tuskegee Airmen. This is why we choose to honor them and recognize their service.