(Image credit: VAN)
On March 19, 1941, the 99th Pursuit Squadron was officially constituted, marking a historic milestone as the first African American fighter squadron. This unit would later become an integral part of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. Eventually, the 99th was joined by the 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons to form the 332nd Fighter Group, famously known as the Red Tails.
The 99th Pursuit Squadron, along with other African American units that followed, trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama beginning in 1941. By 1943, these aviators were deemed combat-ready and assigned ground attack and close air support missions in the Mediterranean Theater. Flying the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the 99th destroyed enemy tanks, ships, railcars, and troop positions. It was during these missions that the Tuskegee Airmen demonstrated their combat prowess, eventually earning the prestigious role of bomber escorts for 8th Air Force missions over Europe.
The Tuskegee Airmen later transitioned to the North American P-51 Mustang, painting the tails of their aircraft red—a distinctive feature that earned them the nickname “Red Tails.” Just as they had in the Mediterranean, they excelled in the bomber escort role. These skilled pilots remained dedicated to protecting B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator crews, staying with them throughout their missions. Their remarkable service and unwavering commitment cemented their legacy, which continues to be honored and remembered today.
