Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Located at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site commemorates the contributions of African American pilots, known as Tuskegee Airmen, who trained at the base beginning in 1941 and fought in World War II. The National Park Service established the site on November 6, 1988 to showcase the Tuskegee Airmen's history and the achievements. The site preserves the airfield and two historic hangars (and some other buildings) at Moton Field. The museum is located in the hangars. Exhibits feature videos, photographs, training aircraft, and a replica "Red Tail" P-51 Mustang. The Tuskegee Airmen were among the best and most decorated pilots in the war. It should be noted the airmen included not just the pilots but all the support staff as well, including clerical workers and mechanics.

Before 1940, African Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military. However, Civil rights organization and the Black press challenged the government to expand the role of African American in the military. This resulted in the formation of Tuskegee Airmen.

Army Air Corp selected the Tuskegee Institute- a small Black college in Alabama to host the “military experiment” the train the first African American pilots and support staff. The pilots would fly fighters and bombers. The airmen became known “Red Tails” because of the red painted on the tails of the P-47 and later P-51 fighter planes they flew. In May, 1940, the first students successfully completed the training program, prompting its expansion. By 1946, the program would train over 900 pilots. 

For their achievements during the war and the struggles of racism they faced at home during and after the war, the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush in 2007. 

"History and Culture." National Park Service - Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Accessed January 23, 2015. https://www.nps.gov/tuai/learn/historyculture/index.htm.

"Who Were They?" The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum. Accessed January 23, 2015. http://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/who-were-they.