At the time of World War II, the U.S. Army was separated by race. African Americans and white Americans did not serve together. In 1941, a new training program was started only for African Americans. This training program produced pilots that became known for their bravery and skill during the war in Europe and North Africa!
The first pilots completed the training in March 1942. They became the first African American pilots in the U.S. Army.
Nearly 1,000 fighter pilots went on to complete the training. Many people also completed training in other important jobs that would support the pilots. These included navigators to guide the planes and mechanics to repair them.
Photo Credit: PF-(aircraft)/Alamy, Inc.
The Tuskegee Airmen painted the tails of their airplanes red so they could easily be identified.
The Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 1,500 missions. They would often escort, or protect, heavy bomber planes. They were very successful as they showed great ability and kept many bombers safe.
They became known as the Red Tails. This is because the Tuskegee Airmen painted the tails of their airplanes red. This helped the pilots of the bombers they were protecting to identify them easily.
The Tuskegee Airmen received more than 800 medals for their service. Their service and outstanding record was also important in ending the segregation by race in the U.S. Army. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal to recognize both their military achievements and their role in ending segregation.
Photo Credit: Malcolm Haines/Alamy, Inc.
George Hardy, one of the last living Tuskegee Airmen, passed away in September 2025.
Lt. Col. George Hardy was born in 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He became the youngest Tuskegee fighter pilot when he was just 19 years old. He flew 21 missions during World War II.
Hardy continued as a military pilot after World War II. He went on to fly missions in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Lt. Col. George Hardy received awards for his achievements and bravery, including the Flying Cross and 12 Air Medal awards.
After retiring in 1971, he continued to share the history of the Tuskegee Airmen. Lt. Col. George Hardy died in September 2025, when he was 100 years old.
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Photo Credit: War Department. Army Air Forces. (06/20/1941 – 09/26/1947)\National Archives Catalog || Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield/DVIDS
