Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration

Credit: David Perry | Date Taken: 03/24/2021
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military aviators who fought in World War II. Stationed in Tuskegee, Alabama, as part of the U.S. Army Air Force, a precursor of the U.S. Air Force. They were comprised of some 1,000 pilots and nearly 14,000 instructors, mechanics, navigators and other maintenance and support staff. They flew more that 15,000 sorties, and had the highest rating of protecting the bombers they escorted. Their service and sacrifice proved pivotal in the human rights movement and integration of the U.S armed forces. Many states have adopted the fourth Thursday of every March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. (U.S. Air Force motion graphic by David Perry)