Truman's proclamation, however, still did not end segregation from all aspects of military life.
Keesler was activated in 1941, six months before Pearl Harbor as the Army Air Corps' Keesler Field. The War Department also began construction at Tuskegee the same month. By Autumn 1943, more than 7,000 black airmen had trained at Keesler including pre-aviation cadets, radio and radar operators, technicians, mechanics and bombardiers.
Early histories of the war downplayed the role of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Today, fewer than 90 original Tuskegee Airmen are still alive.
George Lucas has tried for 23 years to get "Red Tails" to the big screen. Hollywood was unwilling to finance and all-black story with an all-black cast.
Their overseas record includes thousands of sorties, bomber escorts and other missions. Numerous Distinguished Flying Crosses were earned as well as Unit Citations. In 2007, they all received the Congressional Gold Medal, the country's second highest honor.
A Part of the Greatest Generation. --GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
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