The Tuskegee Airmen

Introduction

The Tuskegee Airmen have had a real dedication, following the determination of men who enlisted to become the first black military airmen in America, while many people thought they lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism to become a pilot. They came from all corners of America; each had a strong personal desire to serve their country. (Daniel, 9)

In 1941, the U.S. government, under mounting pressure from some lobby groups, decided to create a unit of African American pilots. Based in Tuskegee, Alabama, this training center would allow almost a thousand young American blacks realize a dream even harder to achieve than the segregationist policies at that time was relegated by a public opinion fundamentally convinced the inability of blacks in general to occupy important positions in society. (Audrey, 22)

The Tuskegee Airmen were young soldiers, determined to indulge their passion and become an example to their brethren of color, overcame the difficulties and prejudices in an age when many people thought that blacks were less intelligent than whites. From all states, they were determined to defend their country and demonstrate their high degree of patriotism.

Those who possessed the physical and mental abilities to become pilots, navigators and bombers were selected to form the first class of cadets. The others had to learn the various trades required to operate a unit in the country since the mechanics to dealers through the various administrative positions. Have well over 10 000 men in total will be recruited through the establishment of an Afro-American air force. (Charles, 12)

If no selection criteria had been set initially, many of those who managed to start a pilot training had done university studies. They were trained in Tuskegee Airfield in Alabama - Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAAF). The first class of cadets began their training in July 1941 and released in March 1942 after nine months of basic training. Of the 13 cadets who made the promotion to the starting 5 will reach its conclusion. At their head was Captain Benjamin Davis, a former West Point. The other four drivers were given the rank is Sub-Lieutenant and the coveted silver wings. (Thole, 10)

Between 1942 and 1946, 994 pilots trained at Tuskegee received their wings and a promotion to officer. The rest of the aircrew were recruited and trained at various bases throughout the United States. The engineers were trained for their part in Chanute Air Base in ...