Honoring Tuskegee Airmen and Their Contribution in Creating An Integrated United States Air Force

Honoring Tuskegee Airmen and Their Contribution in Creating An Integrated United States Air Force -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 14, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER
OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2004

Mr. TURNER of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 417, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force, the world's foremost Air and Space Supremacy Force introduced by my fellow Armed Services Committee colleague, Representative JON PORTER (NV-R).

All things relating to aviation have a special meaning in Dayton, the birthplace of powered manned flight. From the Wright Brothers designing the first machines that lifted man from the security of Earth and into the era of powered flight, through the modern day when Wright Patterson is regarded as one of the Air Force's finest bases, aviation has long played a central role in Dayton. The Tuskegee Airmen also have a special place in the hearts and minds of Daytonians for their exceptional contributions making the U.S. Air Force the world's foremost Air and Space Supremacy Force.

Last July, Dayton combined a 17-day festival called Inventing Flight with its 22nd annual Black Cultural Festival by including a Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen. Because of Dayton's ties to aviation and the Tuskegee Airmen this was a natural combination.

Dayton has links to the origins of the Tuskegee Airmen. Chauncey Spencer and Dale White set out to promote black aviation. In 1939 they rented an old airplane and set out on a 10 city goodwill tour that was supposed to end in Washington where they hoped to meet with Congressional leaders. Three hours into their first day a broken crankshaft forced them to land in a farmer's field. Two and a half days later the flight was resumed; however, shortly they were grounded again. Hearing of their misfortunes the publisher of an African-American newspaper in Pittsburgh gave them $500 and letters of introduction to Congressional. representatives.

Spencer and White met Senator Harry S Truman, who upon seeing the plane they flew said, "If you guys had the guts to fly this thing to Washington, I've got guts enough to see you get what you are asking." He promised to help open the doors for African-Americans to serve in the Air Corps. Shortly afterwards, the Tuskegee Experiment was established. By the end of WWII, nearly 1,000 African-Americans had completed their flight training at Tuskegee Army Air Field and nearly 450 went overseas as combat pilots.

The Tuskegee Airmen were nicknamed the "Red Tail Angels" because of the red tail markings on their aircraft. They had an enviable service record of over 15,500 missions, destroyed over 260 enemy aircraft; sunk one enemy destroyer and damaged numerous enemy installations. The Tuskegee Airmen served with distinction and earned over 850 medals.

Chauncey Spencer and Dale White became Dayton residents and both served at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. There is still a local chapter of an organization named for the Tuskegee Airmen at Wright Patterson: The Mac Ross Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. The chapter is named after Mac Ross, a Dayton native, and one of the first five African-American airmen to become Air Corps pilots in 1942.

The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. Their achievements, together with the men and women who supported them, paved the way for full integration of the U.S. military.

Today's all-volunteer Armed Forces identify with the sense of pride and commitment exhibited by the Tuskegee Airmen some 60 years ago.

As an American, and a proud Daytonian, I am pleased to offer my support of H. Con. Res. 417, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force, the world's foremost Air and Space Supremacy Force.

END