Tuskegee Airmen Research Paper
1. This paper is on the Tuskegee Airmen. It will cover the flight training program, impact on United States Air Force (USAF) desegregation, and General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
2. The flight training program for Tuskegee Airmen began in 1941 in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Army gave provisions to the Tuskegee Institute to begin flight training in July 1941 at Moton Field, located on the university’s campus.1 The first flight program for African Americans in the United States began with 13 cadets. Prior to the Tuskegee flight program, African Americans taught themselves how to fly or trained overseas.2 Training began with ground school, which consisted of subjects such as “meteorology, navigation, and instruments.” Upon completion of ground training, …show more content…
Tuskegee Airmen led the way to a new military policy which allowed them to fight, not as segregated units, but as one with their white counterparts. The military was hesitant to begin the act of desegregation as it would force integration before the rest of the country. Many Tuskegee Airmen took part in racial protesting which often led to disciplinary actions ranging from reduction in rank, to physical injury, or even dishonorable discharge.6 Black Airmen who fought in World War II faced two wars explained as “one against a military force overseas and the other against racism at home and abroad.”7 Despite the immense challenges these Airmen faced, they experienced tremendous success in war. The USAF saw value in the Tuskegee Airmen and, although newly formed, began planning a force which outlined total desegregation. On 26 July 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 which called for a rapid policy of equality and opportunity in all forces of the military. Consequently, the Air Force was the first branch to initiate said policy, followed by the Navy and later the Army and Marines. The rapid response of the Air Force was recognized, however the valiant efforts and resilient protests of the Tuskegee Airmen pressured the political stance of the nation to move.8
4. General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. was one of the first five graduates from the Tuskegee Institute flight program under the Army Air Corps. General Davis began his career at the Military Academy at West Point, commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in 1936.9 After earning his wings, General Davis became commander of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 332nd Fighter Group. General Davis became the first African American to earn four stars in the USAF. His true allegiance and dedication to the Air Force decorated him decorated with awards such as the Distinguished Service Medal and Silver
2. The flight training program for Tuskegee Airmen began in 1941 in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Army gave provisions to the Tuskegee Institute to begin flight training in July 1941 at Moton Field, located on the university’s campus.1 The first flight program for African Americans in the United States began with 13 cadets. Prior to the Tuskegee flight program, African Americans taught themselves how to fly or trained overseas.2 Training began with ground school, which consisted of subjects such as “meteorology, navigation, and instruments.” Upon completion of ground training, …show more content…
Tuskegee Airmen led the way to a new military policy which allowed them to fight, not as segregated units, but as one with their white counterparts. The military was hesitant to begin the act of desegregation as it would force integration before the rest of the country. Many Tuskegee Airmen took part in racial protesting which often led to disciplinary actions ranging from reduction in rank, to physical injury, or even dishonorable discharge.6 Black Airmen who fought in World War II faced two wars explained as “one against a military force overseas and the other against racism at home and abroad.”7 Despite the immense challenges these Airmen faced, they experienced tremendous success in war. The USAF saw value in the Tuskegee Airmen and, although newly formed, began planning a force which outlined total desegregation. On 26 July 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 which called for a rapid policy of equality and opportunity in all forces of the military. Consequently, the Air Force was the first branch to initiate said policy, followed by the Navy and later the Army and Marines. The rapid response of the Air Force was recognized, however the valiant efforts and resilient protests of the Tuskegee Airmen pressured the political stance of the nation to move.8
4. General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. was one of the first five graduates from the Tuskegee Institute flight program under the Army Air Corps. General Davis began his career at the Military Academy at West Point, commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in 1936.9 After earning his wings, General Davis became commander of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 332nd Fighter Group. General Davis became the first African American to earn four stars in the USAF. His true allegiance and dedication to the Air Force decorated him decorated with awards such as the Distinguished Service Medal and Silver