Tuskegee Airmen to Receive Congressional Gold Medal
Thursday March 29, 2007
Although desperately wanting to serve in the U.S. Air Force, African-Americans were not allowed to join until Congress agreed to establish a segregated training program in 1940 (known as the "Tuskegee Experiment"). Confronting severe discrimination, thousands of African-Americans signed up to train as pilots, navigators, bombardiers, and mechanics. These men underwent thorough, rigorous training and then many of these men then fought in World War II in a segregated squadron. Facing bigotry and racism, the Tuskegee Airmen became some of the most highly respected pilots of World War II.
Over 60 years after the end of World War II, Congress is now awarding the Tuskegee Airmen the Congressional Gold Medal. The ceremony was held at the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, March 29, 2007.
Comments
This recognition is long over due, I applaud the Tuskegee Airmen for their courage, their strength and their undying faith in God. I Salute you all…
Your terminology is in error. In 1940 the U.S.Air Force did not yet exist, it was then known as the Army Air Corps. The USAF was created, unsegregated; in 1947 as a separate military branch.
Oh my god i know these men.i am so happy for you guys.I remeber when Neal Middle School went to I.B.M to sees these men.i almost cried.
WAY overdue.