They were called "Schwarze Vogelmenschen"(Black Airmen) by the Germans who both feared and respected them. Americanbomber crews who depended on the Tuskegee Airmen to escort their wing deepinto enemy territory, reverently referred to them as the Black Red TailAngles, because of the identifying red paint on the tail assembly --andthe reputation for NEVER having lost a bomber to enemy action.
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Due to the rigid pattern of racial segregationthat prevailed in the United State during World War II, black militaryaviators were trained at an isolated US Army Air Corps facility near Tuskegee,Alabama. Each man in the 332nd went through his own private hell to wearthe wings of a United States Air Corps Aviator. With their success, theycarried not only the burdens of their own dreams of becoming military aviators--but the hopes of an entire people.
They were our countries best defences --and its greatest glory.
John Silva has an created extensive collection of original paintings and art prints that will be featured here over the the coming months. A virtual Raptor squadron dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen has also been inspired.If you would like to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen, E-mail John Silva.
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