Museum Audio Tour 10b: Air Power Gallery: Tuskegee Airmen

DAYTON, OHIO, UNITED STATES

12.31.1969

Audio by NMUSAF PA 

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The aircraft considered by many to be the best fighter during World War II was the P-51 Mustang. With its long range and high altitude capabilities, the P-51 was capable of accompanying bombers all the way to Berlin and back. This aircraft would eventually become the plane of choice for the Tuskegee Airmen. Just behind the B-24 you will find an exhibit dedicated to these courageous black aviators. During World War Two, the military was racially segregated. Reflecting American society at the time, most black troops were restricted to labor battalions and other support positions. An experiment with the U.S. Army Air Forces showed that given equal opportunity and training, African Americans could fly in, command and support combat units as well as anyone. The Tuskegee Airmen served with distinction in combat and directly contributed to the eventual integration of the armed services, with the U.S. Air Force leading the way. For more insight, visit the Carney Auditorium portion of the pod map and listen to (V166) Integration of the Air Force: The Early Years by retired lieutenant colonels James Harvey III (the third), and Harry Steward. Further information on the Integration of the Air Force can be found in an exhibit just before exiting this gallery.

• Date Taken: 12.31.1969
• Date Posted: 09.02.2015 12:14
• Category: Newscasts
• Audio ID: 41903
• Filename: 1509/DOD_102704057.mp3
• Length: 00:01:17
• Album: Museum Audio Tour
• Track #: 10
• Location: DAYTON, OHIO, US