Tuskegee Airmen Get Congressional Gold Medal (1 Viewer)

[Beaufighter]

Cheers Forum Squadron Members: For your historical viewing pleasure.

Tuskegee Airmen Get Congressional Gold Medal

It took more than 60 years, but arguably one of the most effective fighter squadrons of World War II is getting the formal recognition that matches its historic and cultural impact. Members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the all-black P-51 group that protected B-17 bombers over Europe, on Thursday were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony attended by former Secretary of State Colin Powell and President George Bush. But while aviation buffs know well the remarkable record of the squadron (the claim that it never lost a bomber has been disputed), the impact of their wartime exploits is considered by many to have had a much more profound impact on the country they served. "They were bold in battle and capable in command -- at a time when many in the military thought blacks could be neither," wrote The Washington Post. Charles McGee, who flew a P-51 he called "Kitten," told the Post that the successful deployment of the squadron had far-reaching effects. "What we accomplished hasn't always been recognized for, really, what it meant to the country," McGee said. "There was meaning there, you might say, in a civil rights area that preceded what we know as the civil rights movement."

 

[Louis Badolato]

Cheers Forum Squadron Members: For your historical viewing pleasure.

Tuskegee Airmen Get Congressional Gold Medal

It took more than 60 years, but arguably one of the most effective fighter squadrons of World War II is getting the formal recognition that matches its historic and cultural impact. Members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the all-black P-51 group that protected B-17 bombers over Europe, on Thursday were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony attended by former Secretary of State Colin Powell and President George Bush. But while aviation buffs know well the remarkable record of the squadron (the claim that it never lost a bomber has been disputed), the impact of their wartime exploits is considered by many to have had a much more profound impact on the country they served. "They were bold in battle and capable in command -- at a time when many in the military thought blacks could be neither," wrote The Washington Post. Charles McGee, who flew a P-51 he called "Kitten," told the Post that the successful deployment of the squadron had far-reaching effects. "What we accomplished hasn't always been recognized for, really, what it meant to the country," McGee said. "There was meaning there, you might say, in a civil rights area that preceded what we know as the civil rights movement."

Its about time. To me the Tuskeegee Airmen are among the greatest American Heros, because not only did they fight with remarkable skill and courage, they did so for a country that treated them and their families like second class citizens. When I was still in lawschool I interned for a New York State Supreme Court Justice named Maxine Duberstein (a great lady in her own right). Her law secretary (an attorney who assisted the judge in research and writing decisions), who had just retired was a Tuskeegee Airman. I had the incredible good fortune to meet him once during my term of service when he came back to visit. For me shaking his hand was one of the great honors of my life. Andy made a Tuskeegee Airman for Del Prado (which I presently have on display), and I have personally asked him to make me a P-51 in the red tail markings of this squadron, so I can honor them in my museum. I don't know if he will do it, but I will keep pressing because to me, making sure that people never forget the heroism and patriotism of the Tuskeegee Airmen is of paramount importance. To any African American WWII Veteran (from any MOS) that reads this, please accept my personal thank you, on behalf of myself and my family, for your service under conditions I don't even want to imagine. In my household your service will always be remembered and appreciated.

 

[Gideon]

They (and all Black American service men) fought wars at home, over seas and then at home again. It's about time they get their recognition.

My grandfather was in Airforce Intelligence (a photo unit attached). He described seeing some of the Tuskegee pilots. The guy my grandfather was with was thanking god he didn't have to salute those N*****.

It's about time.

 

[bromhead]

I Knew about the 332 grp as a kid in the 1950s long before the tale became popular, They escorted my dads B17s ,2nd Bomb group, along with 14 other 15th A F fighter groups that have gotten little recognition compared to others,,8th af for instance,,quite a contraversy among those vets. I knew they had to be or most were collage grads, were fine pilots,flew mustangs at the time and were extremley valued as escorts as all the other groups were at the time,,which is what and when I am mentioning. Unfortunate at time treatment by the military and society but then cant be changed now.

My fathers AC was returning alone,damaged,across the Adriatic to Italy when a lone fighter appeared,my dad was an experienced radio-op gunner,spoke a bit of german and flew several group lead missions,also regularly monitered Luftwaffe fighter and flak nets with their FEMALE controllers who also gave the fire commands to the flak guns.
The fighter approached slow and far off with every weapon on the bomber in its direction,,challenged first on the fighter net the pilot replied he was U. S.,turned the AC wingup to show the mustang outline and then slowly closed with them,,red 332 markings etc,he then offered to fly back all the way to the home field area which of course was accepted,
Most interesting was the conversation closer in ,as the radio dicipline in the 15th was total as to plane to plane anywhere near hostile areas,,,the 332 pilot spoke in an extremly professional way,a bit "cold" was the description,then when leaving after being thanked very much,,he did quite a sporty Peel off with the Mustang and acknowlaged things with a lot of laughing,casuaL dialect aimed at the "Bomber folks".

 

[Spitfrnd]

Very well deserved and much overdue.

 

[4th Hussar]

It is about time, unfortuantely there can't be too many left