Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Tuskegee, Alabama

This morning I visited Moton Field. This field was used for flight training for young African American men who trained to become pilots in the Army Air Corps. They later became known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 prohibited discrimination in training for military service. This legislation along with pressure from the black press, civil rights groups, and the support of Eleanor Roosevelt, led to the establishment of the 99th Pursuit Squadron in January of 1941. This squadron along with the 332nd Fighter Group soon served in North Africa and Europe. Their group became known as the "Red Tail Angels" because of their planes' distinctive red tail sections and their determination to never abandon the bombers in their care. By 1944 the airmen began flying the P-51, one of the best fighter planes of the war, and their primary duty was to escort bombers to oil refineries and other strategic targets in Europe. In addition to their military service the Tuskegee Airmen were fighting to overcome discrimination and segregation both at home and overseas. The superb performance of the fighter squadrons, helped convince President Truman to sign Executive Order 9981 in 1948 calling for the integration of all branches of the military. It was an honor to see the fields where these brave airmen learned to fly and served our country with such distinction.