Tuskegee AirmenBy:

Kerry Mcfarland&

Jordan O’Reilly

Objective Slide

Our objective is to inform you of

the hardships and experiences the

Tuskegee Airmen had to overcome

for the duration of World War II.

The Beginning

The work of Civil rights organizations helped form an African- American squadron know as the Tuskegee airmen.

The Men They were dedicated and determined young

African Americans. Became the first black military airmen. They lived in cities all over the country. Large numbers came from these cities:

NYC WashingtonLos AngelesChicagoPhiladelphiaDetroit

Set Backs Many thought

black men lacked:IntelligenceSkill CouragePatriotismQualifications for

combat duty

Set Backs

They were constantly denied military leadership roles and skilled training.

They were banned from flying for the U.S. military.

Tuskegee Experiment To train the African

Americans the Army Air Corps created a program teaching them:How to flyHow to maintain

combat aircraft

The Program

The program was made up of:PilotsNavigatorsBombardiersMaintenanceSupport staffInstructorsPersonnel who kept the planes in the air

Tuskegee Institute

The Tuskegee Institute was selected by the military to train the African American pilots.

It is located in Montgomery, Alabama.

Tuskegee institute

Was known for:Its commitment to aeronautical trainingThe facilitiesEngineeringTechnical instructorsA climate for year round flying

Tuskegee Institute

Over time the program expanded and became the center for African-American aviation for the duration of World War II.

Aviation Class

The 1st aviation cadet class began in July, 1941.

9 months later, 5 men successfully completed the training.

They received Army Air Corps silver pilot wings

Graduating

The black airmen became:Single-engine pilotsMulti-engine pilotsNavigators Bombardiers Gunnery crewsMechanics

Post Graduation

1942-1946Nine hundred and

ninety-four pilots graduated at TAAFReceiving

commissions and pilot wings.

Post Graduation Four hundred and

fifty of the pilots served overseas in the:99th Pursuit

Squadron 332nd Fighter Group477th Composite

Group 100th Fighter

Squadron302nd Fighter

Squadron

99th Fighter Squadron

Combat in North Africa.Trained in and flew

P-40 War hawk aircraft.

Combat in Sicily and Italy April 1943.

Combat Record

Over 15,000 combat sorties 111 German airplanes destroyed in the air 150 German aircraft destroyed on the

ground 950 railcars, trucks, and other motor

vehicles destroyed 1 destroyer sunk by P-47 machine gun fire Sixty-six pilots killed in action or accidents

Combat Record

Thirty-two pilots downed and captured, POWs

NO Bombers were ever lost to Enemy Aircraft while being escorted

150 Distinguished Flying Crosses earned 744 Air Medals 8 Purple Hearts Stars 14 Bronze

Conclusion They became one of the

most highly respected fighter groups of World War II.

They proved to others they could fly and maintain sophisticated combat aircraft.

Their accomplishments became the catalysts for full integration of African Americans in the U.S. military.

The End

Websites

http://www.tuskegeeairmen.org/Tuskegee_Airmen_History.html

http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/aero/tuskegee.htm

http://www.frankambrose.com/pages/tusk.html

http://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/tuskegee/airoverview.htm