The Tuskegee airmen were the first black servicemen to serve as military aviators in the U.S. armed forces, flying with distinction during World War II. Though subject to racial discrimination both at home and abroad, the 996 pilots and more than 15,000 ground personnel who served with the all-black units would be credited with some 15,500 combat sorties and earn over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses for their achievements. The highly publicized successes of the Tuskegee Airmen helped pave the way for the eventual integration of the U.S. armed forces under President Harry Truman in 1948.
More to Explore
People and Groups
Themes
Related Topics
This Day in History
May 25
World War II
Operation Knight's Move is launched, 1944
On this day in 1944, Germany launches Operation Knight's Move, in an attempt to seize Yugoslav communist partisan leader Tito.Using parachute drops and…
Recommended Articles
-
World War II
An international military conflict, World War II involved most countries around the world and lasted from 1939 to 1945.
-
Civil Rights Movement
In the 1950s and 1960s, civil rights activists in the United States used nonviolent protest, civil disobedience and legal action to end segregation and pursue equality for all Americans.
-
African-American Soldiers in the Civil War
Of the 2 million soldiers who fought for the Union during the Civil War, about 180,000 were African-American. Forty thousand black soldiers died in the war.
-
Black History Month
Black History Month celebrates the contributions of African Americans to American history and culture.
Did You Know?
The Tuskegee Airmen have been the subject of several books and movies, including the 2012 film "Red Tails," produced by George Luca
Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!
Related Shows
-
WWII in HD
See World War II as never before, in stunning, full-color high definition.
Shop HISTORY
-
WWII in HD DVD Set
The only people to see the war like this were the ones who lived it. Until now… Own this best-selling series today!
$14.99
Buy Now -
Civil War: Rebellion to Reconstruction DVD Set
Experience the turbulent events that ignited the bloodiest, most divisive war this country has known.
$53.99
Buy Now -
Swamp People Troy Mask
Want the ultimate Big Head? The Swamp People Troy Mask is for Cajuns and Cajuns at heart.
$44.99
Buy Now
Email Updates
Keep up with the latest History shows, online features, special offers and more.
Sign upClassroom Study Guides
-
First to Fight: The Black Tankers of World War II (PDF)
Teacher's guide to the 761st Tank Battalion, the first all black tank unit ever to see combat during World War II.
-
Vietnam in HD Teacher's Guide (PDF)
Classroom companion for the new HISTORY series Vietnam in HD.
