During World War II, a generation of dedicated young men enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at a time when systemic racism tried to exclude them from the skies entirely. They were sent to Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama — a segregated base — where they were expected to fail. They did not fail.
These men came from every corner of America. They fought two wars simultaneously — one against Germany's Luftwaffe over the skies of Europe, and another against the forces of racism and segregation at home. In both theaters, they won.
The 332nd Fighter Group — the "Red Tails" — earned a reputation as one of the finest escort groups of the war. Bombers they escorted reported zero losses to enemy aircraft — a record no other escort group could match. They flew more than 15,000 sorties and earned over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses.
In 1972, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. was founded to carry that fighting spirit forward — motivating young Americans to claim their rightful place in our nation's future. Today, more than 50 active chapters continue that mission across the United States.
