The Tuskegee Airman (also known as the Red Tails due to the red coloring on their airplanes tails),
provided fighter escort service to bombing missions. Prior to the Red Tails, the US bombers had a low
success rate, they kept getting shot down before they could complete the mission. The fighter escorts
(white pilots) kept leaving the formation when under fire.
The Red Tail commander famously ordered his men never to leave the side of the bomber aircraft,
no matter how fierce the fighting. The US bombing raids then became quite successful.
At first the white bomber pilots were not thrilled with the Tuskegees, but quickly realized their superb bravery and
skill set. Then the white bomber pilots started specifically requesting only the Red Tails as escorts. This
was a huge point of pride for the Tuskegee.
The work done by the Tuskegee airmen during WWII paved the way for the integration of the US military.
An order signed by Harry Truman.
This is the AI summary which I have reviewed for accuracy:
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military pilots and airmen in the U.S. armed forces, trained at Tuskegee, Alabama, during World War II, who overcame racial segregation and discrimination to become celebrated heroes, flying fighter escort missions and proving their exceptional skill, earning numerous medals, and helping pave the way for the integration of the U.S. military. Known for their iconic red-tailed planes (Red Tails), they flew over 15,000 combat sorties and were instrumental in protecting bombers, challenging racist stereotypes, and earning respect through their distinguished service.
= new reply since forum marked as read
