What was the role of African-Americans in the US Army Air Corps in World War 2?

Answer 1

In the 1940's it was still believed that Blacks were incapable of flying aircraft. This myth was dispelled with the help of the U.S. Congress. On June 27, 1939 THE CIVILIAN PILOT TRAINING ACT was passed. This solidary ACT helped to create a reserve of civilian pilots to be called in case of war. Young black pilots were given the opportunity to train with U.S. approved programs located at TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE, HOWARD UNIVERSITY, HAPTOM INSTITUTE, NORTH CAROLINA A and T, DELEWARE STATE, WEST Virginia STATE, Lincoln UNIVERSITY of Missouri, and HARLEMM AIRPORT in Chicago. The SELECTIVE SERVICE ACT of 1940 has increased the opportunity for a broader participation of Blacks in the militar when it banned discrimination in the selection and training of all American citizens because of race and color.

The success of the CIVILIAN PILOT TRAINING ACT helped put the 99th PURSUIT SQUADRON OF TUSKEGEE on the mapl. It was said that "the success of Negro youth in the Army Air Force would be predicated upon the success of the "Tuskegee Experiment". HBOs coudrama THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, is a good depiction of this era of Black Americans seeking acceptance as military pilots. Because of the opportunity provided by the Civilian Pilot Training Act, the number of Blacks in the ARMY AIR FORCE jumped from 2,250 in 1941 to over 145,000 by 1944.

The 2 major groups to see combat as AAF men were 99th PURSUIT SQUADRON and the 332ND FIGHTER GROUP. Out of the 332nd Group came the 100th, 301st and 302nd Squadrons under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, SR., who became America's first American General on October 25, 1940. By 1944 the 99th was added to the 332nd and participated in capaigns in Sicily, Rome and Romania. The 99th and 332 earned many distinguished unit citations.

When Black Americans were introduced into the white crews of the Air Force, they were unwelcomed and considered not fit pilots. This was soon to change when the Black Americans took on dangerous missions, protected other aircraft and had numerous hits on enemy aircraft. Many out flew the white Americans.