Jun 27, 1939🇺🇸
CPT Act Passed
Congress passed the Civilian Pilot Training Act. This legislation paved the way for African Americans to eventually enter aviation training programs, authorized by the government.
Source: 10A detailed timeline of events from 1939 to 1949.
Congress passed the Civilian Pilot Training Act. This legislation paved the way for African Americans to eventually enter aviation training programs, authorized by the government.
Source: 10The Civil Aeronautics Administration received Tuskegee Institute's application to be a civilian pilot training institution. After Tuskegee obtained permission to use the Montgomery Airport, the application was approved.
Source: 11The Civil Aeronautics Authority approved Tuskegee's Kennedy Field for Civilian Pilot Training. This occurred after improvements were made to the field, eliminating the need to use the Montgomery Airport.
Source: 13George A. Wiggs arrived in Tuskegee to administer the standard written examination for Civilian Pilot Training students. Every student who took the examination passed, surpassing the passing rate of other schools in the South.
Source: 15-16Congress passed a Selective Service Act which required all the armed services to enlist "Negroes". On the same day, the War Department announced it would start the development of "colored personnel" for the aviation service.
Source: 18-20The White House announced that Negroes would be trained as military pilots in the Army Air Corps. Concurrently, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. was promoted to be the first black general in the U.S. Army.
Source: 21-22The War Department issued Army Regulation 210-10 requiring post commanders to insure all officers were allowed full membership in officers' clubs. This regulation would later become a focal point of civil rights actions by the Airmen.
Source: 26The War Department announced plans to create a "Negro pursuit squadron". Its pilots would be trained specifically at Tuskegee, Alabama.
Source: 27The 99th Pursuit Squadron was officially constituted. At the same time, an "Air Base Detachment" was constituted, which later became the 318th Base Headquarters.
Source: 28-30The 99th Pursuit Squadron was activated at Chanute Field, Illinois. It was under the command of Captain Harold R. Maddux, a white officer, but composed of African-American enlisted men.
Source: 31Eleanor Roosevelt visited Kennedy Field and flew with Chief Instructor Charles Alfred Anderson. She was a Rosenwald Fund trustee who helped secure financing for the construction of Moton Field at Tuskegee.
Source: 33An "Air Base Detachment" was activated at Chanute Field to support the 99th. It was later redesignated as the 318th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron (Colored).
Source: 35The War Department approved a contract establishing a primary flying school at Tuskegee Institute. Lt. Col. Noel F. Parrish was assigned as one of the faculty members.
Source: 38Construction began on Tuskegee Army Air Field a few miles northwest of Moton Field. This military airfield would provide basic and advanced military flight training.
Source: 41The first class of aviation cadets (42-C) entered Preflight Training at Tuskegee Institute. It included Captain Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., who served as Commandant of Cadets.
Source: 43-44The Air Corps Advanced Flying School at Tuskegee was activated. It was later redesignated as the Tuskegee Advanced Flying School.
Source: 51The first class of aviation cadets entered Primary flight training administered by Tuskegee Institute at Kennedy Field. This was necessary because Moton Field was not yet completed.
Source: 54The 99th Pursuit Squadron moved from Chanute Field, Illinois, to Maxwell Field, Alabama. This brought them closer to the training site.
Source: 55The first class of aviation cadets entered Basic flight training at Tuskegee Army Air Field under military instructors. Only 6 of the 13 original cadets remained at this point.
Source: 57The 99th Pursuit Squadron moved from Maxwell Field to Tuskegee Army Air Field. On the same day, 2d Lieutenant Clyde H. Bynum became its new commander.
Source: 60Captain Alonzo S. Ward became the third commander of the 99th Fighter Squadron. Like the first two commanders, he was white.
Source: 66The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, bringing the United States into World War II. The need for combat pilots skyrocketed.
Source: 68The 100th Pursuit Squadron was constituted. It would later become one of the fighter squadrons of the 332nd Fighter Group.
Source: 71The Air Base Detachment moved from Maxwell to Tuskegee Army Air Field. It would later be redesignated as the 318th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron (Colored).
Source: 74Five cadets entered advanced flying training with P-40s. They soon deployed to Eglin Field, Florida, for gunnery practice.
Source: 77The 100th Pursuit Squadron was activated at Tuskegee Army Air Field. It was the second African-American Army Air Forces unit ever to be activated.
Source: 79The first class of African-American pilots at Tuskegee Army Air Field completed advanced pilot training. There were only five who completed the training: Capt. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr and 2d Lieutenants Mac Ross; Lemuel R. Custis; Charles H. DeBow, Jr.; and George S. Roberts. Davis was assigned to the base, and the other four became the first African-American flying officers in the 99th Pursuit Squadron. Captain Davis was the first black American to hold a regular commission in the nation’s air arm, having transferred on graduation from the infantry to the Army Air Corps.
Source: 82-84The 96th Maintenance Group (Reduced) (Colored) was activated at Tuskegee. At the same time, the 366th and 367th Materiel Squadrons were activated under it.
Source: 90-91The second class of African-American pilots graduated from flying training at Tuskegee Army Air Field.
Source: 98The 99th Pursuit Squadron was redesignated as the 99th Fighter Squadron. The 100th Pursuit Squadron became the 100th Fighter Squadron.
Source: 1001st Lt. George S. Roberts assumed command of the 99th Fighter Squadron. He was the first African-American to command the squadron.
Source: 104The fourth class of African-American pilots graduated from flying training at Tuskegee Army Air Field.
Source: 108The 332nd Fighter Group was constituted. The 301st and 302nd Fighter Squadrons were also constituted that day for eventual assignment to the group.
Source: 110-111The fifth class of African-American pilots graduated. Enough pilots had now completed training to bring the 99th Fighter Squadron to its full strength of 33 pilots.
Source: 119-120Lt. Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. assumed command of the 99th Fighter Squadron, replacing Lt. Roberts. He was the second black commander of the unit.
Source: 122Lt. Faythe A. McGinnis crashed on a routine flight. He became the first casualty of the 99th Fighter Squadron.
Source: 130The 1000th Signal Company, 1765th Ordnance, and other support companies were activated at Tuskegee. These units provided critical ground support for the air operations.
Source: 132Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson visited the 99th Fighter Squadron at Tuskegee. His visit underscored the high-level attention being paid to the "Tuskegee Experiment".
Source: 136The 332nd Fighter Group was activated at Tuskegee. The 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons were assigned to it, creating the first African-American fighter group.
Source: 140Lt. Col. Sam W. Westbrook, Jr., a white officer, became commander of the 332nd Fighter Group. He was one of the early commanders before black officers assumed full command roles.
Source: 1471st Lt. Charles W. Walker became the first black officer assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group. He served as the group's chaplain.
Source: 152Lt. Col. Noel F. Parrish became commanding officer of the Tuskegee Advanced Flying School. He allowed more desegregation of the facilities on the field than his predecessors.
Source: 156The 99th Fighter Squadron deployed at Dale Mabry Field in Tallahassee, Florida, for maneuvers. This deployment lasted until mid-January 1943.
Source: 161The 332nd Fighter Group emblem was approved. It featured a black panther breathing fire on a blue shield, a symbol that would become famous.
Source: 163Lt. Richard A. Davis crashed, becoming the second casualty of the 99th Fighter Squadron. These early training accidents were a tragic part of the unit's preparation.
Source: 170Lt. Earl E. King became the third casualty of the 99th Fighter Squadron. This occurred shortly before the unit deployed overseas.
Source: 177The 332nd Fighter Group completed its move from Tuskegee Army Air Field to Selfridge Field, Michigan. This move was part of their training for overseas deployment.
Source: 180The 99th Fighter Squadron departed Tuskegee Army Air Field for movement overseas. This marked the beginning of their journey to the combat theaters of North Africa and Europe.
Source: 181The 99th Fighter Squadron sailed aboard the steamship Mariposa from New York harbor. They were bound eastward across the Atlantic Ocean for North Africa.
Source: 187The 99th Fighter Squadron arrived at Casablanca, French Morocco. This was their first overseas base, where they began serving with the Twelfth Air Force.
Source: 191Lieutenants James T. Wiley and Graham Smith were the first two P-40 pilots of the 99th Fighter Squadron to land in North Africa. They landed at Oued N'ja in French Morocco.
Source: 198Personnel of the 99th Fighter Squadron took part in a parade in Fez, North Africa to celebrate the liberation of Tunisia. Captain Hayden C. Johnson led the squadron contingent.
Source: 200The 477th Bombardment Group (Medium) was constituted, along with four bombardment squadrons. This set the stage for black bomber units, though they would not deploy overseas.
Source: 202The 477th Bombardment Group (Medium) was activated at Selfridge Field, Michigan. It was the first African-American bombardment group, though it would face significant challenges.
Source: 204The 99th Fighter Squadron flew its first combat mission, a patrol over the Mediterranean Sea. This marked their entry into active duty in World War II.
Source: 206The 99th Fighter Squadron encountered enemy aircraft for the first time while escorting bombers over Pantelleria. No enemy aircraft were shot down.
Source: 208Lt. Charles B. Hall shot down a German Focke-Wulf 190 over Sicily, becoming the first Tuskegee Airman to score an aerial victory. This was a significant morale boost.
Source: 210The 99th Fighter Squadron flew a mission over Pantelleria, shooting down five enemy aircraft. This demonstrated their combat effectiveness.
Source: 212The 99th Fighter Squadron provided air cover for the Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky). They flew numerous escort and ground attack missions.
Source: 214The 99th Fighter Squadron provided air support for the Allied invasion of Salerno, Italy (Operation Avalanche). They engaged in fierce air-to-air combat.
Source: 216The 99th Fighter Squadron moved to Foggia Airfield in Italy, closer to the front lines. This allowed them to conduct deeper penetration missions.
Source: 218The 332nd Fighter Group, including the 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons, deployed to Italy. They joined the 99th Fighter Squadron, forming a larger all-black fighter unit.
Source: 220The 99th Fighter Squadron provided air cover for the Anzio beachhead landings. They successfully defended against German air attacks.
Source: 222The 332nd Fighter Group began transitioning from P-47 Thunderbolts to P-51 Mustangs. The P-51s offered longer range and better performance.
Source: 224The 332nd Fighter Group moved to Ramitelli Airfield, Italy. This became their primary base for the remainder of the war.
Source: 226The 332nd Fighter Group flew its first long-range escort mission to Berlin. They successfully protected bombers from enemy fighters.
Source: 228The 332nd Fighter Group flew a mission to Hungary, engaging in intense air combat. They shot down several enemy aircraft.
Source: 230The 332nd Fighter Group escorted bombers to oil refineries in Romania, a heavily defended target. They faced strong enemy opposition.
Source: 232The 332nd Fighter Group encountered German Me 262 jet fighters for the first time. This was a new and dangerous threat.
Source: 234The 332nd Fighter Group flew its most famous mission, escorting B-17 bombers to Berlin. They shot down three German Me 262 jets without losing a single bomber to enemy fighters.
Source: 236The 332nd Fighter Group flew its last combat mission of World War II. They had earned a reputation as effective and reliable escort fighters.
Source: 238Victory in Europe Day. The war in Europe officially ended, and the Tuskegee Airmen began their return home.
Source: 240The 332nd Fighter Group returned to the United States, initially stationed at Godman Field, Kentucky. They were met with mixed reactions, still facing segregation.
Source: 242President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981, desegregating the United States Armed Forces. This was a major victory for the Tuskegee Airmen and civil rights.
Source: 244The last all-black units, including the 332nd Fighter Group, were deactivated or integrated into other Air Force units. The Tuskegee Experiment officially concluded.
Source: 246The Civil Aeronautics Administration received Tuskegee Institute's application to be a civilian pilot training institution. After Tuskegee obtained permission to use the Montgomery Airport, the application was approved.
Source: 11The Civil Aeronautics Authority approved Tuskegee's Kennedy Field for Civilian Pilot Training. This occurred after improvements were made to the field, eliminating the need to use the Montgomery Airport.
Source: 13George A. Wiggs arrived in Tuskegee to administer the standard written examination for Civilian Pilot Training students. Every student who took the examination passed, surpassing the passing rate of other schools in the South.
Source: 15-16Congress passed a Selective Service Act which required all the armed services to enlist "Negroes". On the same day, the War Department announced it would start the development of "colored personnel" for the aviation service.
Source: 18-20The White House announced that Negroes would be trained as military pilots in the Army Air Corps. Concurrently, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. was promoted to be the first black general in the U.S. Army.
Source: 21-22The War Department issued Army Regulation 210-10 requiring post commanders to insure all officers were allowed full membership in officers' clubs. This regulation would later become a focal point of civil rights actions by the Airmen.
Source: 26The War Department announced plans to create a "Negro pursuit squadron". Its pilots would be trained specifically at Tuskegee, Alabama.
Source: 27The 99th Pursuit Squadron was officially constituted. At the same time, an "Air Base Detachment" was constituted, which later became the 318th Base Headquarters.
Source: 28-30The 99th Pursuit Squadron was activated at Chanute Field, Illinois. It was under the command of Captain Harold R. Maddux, a white officer, but composed of African-American enlisted men.
Source: 31Eleanor Roosevelt visited Kennedy Field and flew with Chief Instructor C. Alfred Anderson. She was a Rosenwald Fund trustee who helped secure financing for the construction of Moton Field at Tuskegee.
Source: 33An "Air Base Detachment" was activated at Chanute Field to support the 99th. It was later redesignated as the 318th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron (Colored).
Source: 35The War Department approved a contract establishing a primary flying school at Tuskegee Institute. Lt. Col. Noel F. Parrish was assigned as one of the faculty members.
Source: 38Construction began on Tuskegee Army Air Field a few miles northwest of Moton Field. This military airfield would provide basic and advanced military flight training.
Source: 41The first class of aviation cadets (42-C) entered Preflight Training at Tuskegee Institute. It included Captain Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., who served as Commandant of Cadets.
Source: 43-44The Air Corps Advanced Flying School at Tuskegee was activated. It was later redesignated as the Tuskegee Advanced Flying School.
Source: 51The first class of aviation cadets entered Primary flight training administered by Tuskegee Institute at Kennedy Field. This was necessary because Moton Field was not yet completed.
Source: 54The 99th Pursuit Squadron moved from Chanute Field, Illinois, to Maxwell Field, Alabama. This brought them closer to the training site.
Source: 55The first class of aviation cadets entered Basic flight training at Tuskegee Army Air Field under military instructors. Only 6 of the 13 original cadets remained at this point.
Source: 57The 99th Pursuit Squadron moved from Maxwell Field to Tuskegee Army Air Field. On the same day, 2d Lieutenant Clyde H. Bynum became its new commander.
Source: 60Captain Alonzo S. Ward became the third commander of the 99th Fighter Squadron. Like the first two commanders, he was white.
Source: 66The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, bringing the United States into World War II. The need for combat pilots skyrocketed.
Source: 68The 100th Pursuit Squadron was constituted. It would later become one of the fighter squadrons of the 332nd Fighter Group.
Source: 71The Air Base Detachment moved from Maxwell to Tuskegee Army Air Field. It would later be redesignated as the 318th Base Headquarters and Air Base Squadron (Colored).
Source: 74Five cadets entered advanced flying training with P-40s. They soon deployed to Eglin Field, Florida, for gunnery practice.
Source: 77The 100th Pursuit Squadron was activated at Tuskegee Army Air Field. It was the second African-American Army Air Forces unit ever to be activated.
Source: 79The first class of African-American pilots at Tuskegee Army Air Field completed advanced pilot training. There were only five who completed the training: Capt. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr and 2d Lieutenants Mac Ross; Lemuel R. Custis; Charles H. DeBow, Jr.; and George S. Roberts. Davis was assigned to the base, and the other four became the first African-American flying officers in the 99th Pursuit Squadron. Captain Davis was the first black American to hold a regular commission in the nation’s air arm, having transferred on graduation from the infantry to the Army Air Corps.
Source: 82-84The 96th Maintenance Group (Reduced) (Colored) was activated at Tuskegee. At the same time, the 366th and 367th Materiel Squadrons were activated under it.
Source: 90-91The second class of African-American pilots graduated from flying training at Tuskegee Army Air Field.
Source: 98The 99th Pursuit Squadron was redesignated as the 99th Fighter Squadron. The 100th Pursuit Squadron became the 100th Fighter Squadron.
Source: 1001st Lt. George S. Roberts assumed command of the 99th Fighter Squadron. He was the first African-American to command the squadron.
Source: 104The fourth class of African-American pilots graduated from flying training at Tuskegee Army Air Field.
Source: 108The 332nd Fighter Group was constituted. The 301st and 302nd Fighter Squadrons were also constituted that day for eventual assignment to the group.
Source: 110-111The fifth class of African-American pilots graduated. Enough pilots had now completed training to bring the 99th Fighter Squadron to its full strength of 33 pilots.
Source: 119-120Lt. Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. assumed command of the 99th Fighter Squadron, replacing Lt. Roberts. He was the second black commander of the unit.
Source: 122Lt. Faythe A. McGinnis crashed on a routine flight. He became the first casualty of the 99th Fighter Squadron.
Source: 130The 1000th Signal Company, 1765th Ordnance, and other support companies were activated at Tuskegee. These units provided critical ground support for the air operations.
Source: 132Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson visited the 99th Fighter Squadron at Tuskegee. His visit underscored the high-level attention being paid to the "Tuskegee Experiment".
Source: 136The 332nd Fighter Group was activated at Tuskegee. The 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons were assigned to it, creating the first African-American fighter group.
Source: 140Lt. Col. Sam W. Westbrook, Jr., a white officer, became commander of the 332nd Fighter Group. He was one of the early commanders before black officers assumed full command roles.
Source: 1471st Lt. Charles W. Walker became the first black officer assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group. He served as the group's chaplain.
Source: 152Lt. Col. Noel F. Parrish became commanding officer of the Tuskegee Advanced Flying School. He allowed more desegregation of the facilities on the field than his predecessors.
Source: 156The 99th Fighter Squadron deployed at Dale Mabry Field in Tallahassee, Florida, for maneuvers. This deployment lasted until mid-January 1943.
Source: 161The 332nd Fighter Group emblem was approved. It featured a black panther breathing fire on a blue shield, a symbol that would become famous.
Source: 163Lt. Richard A. Davis crashed, becoming the second casualty of the 99th Fighter Squadron. These early training accidents were a tragic part of the unit's preparation.
Source: 170Lt. Earl E. King became the third casualty of the 99th Fighter Squadron. This occurred shortly before the unit deployed overseas.
Source: 177The 332nd Fighter Group completed its move from Tuskegee Army Air Field to Selfridge Field, Michigan. This move was part of their training for overseas deployment.
Source: 180The 99th Fighter Squadron departed Tuskegee Army Air Field for movement overseas. This marked the beginning of their journey to the combat theaters of North Africa and Europe.
Source: 181The 99th Fighter Squadron sailed aboard the steamship Mariposa from New York harbor. They were bound eastward across the Atlantic Ocean for North Africa.
Source: 187The 99th Fighter Squadron arrived at Casablanca, French Morocco. This was their first overseas base, where they began serving with the Twelfth Air Force.
Source: 191Lieutenants James T. Wiley and Graham Smith were the first two P-40 pilots of the 99th Fighter Squadron to land in North Africa. They landed at Oued N'ja in French Morocco.
Source: 198Personnel of the 99th Fighter Squadron took part in a parade in Fez, North Africa to celebrate the liberation of Tunisia. Captain Hayden C. Johnson led the squadron contingent.
Source: 200The 477th Bombardment Group (Medium) was constituted, along with four bombardment squadrons. This set the stage for black bomber units, though they would not deploy overseas.
Source: 202Col. Robert R. Selway, Jr., became commander of the 332nd Fighter Group back in the United States. Like his predecessor, he was a white officer.
Source: 205The 99th Fighter Squadron was assigned to the XII Air Support (later, XII Tactical Air) Command. This command structure would oversee their initial combat operations.
Source: 209The 99th Fighter Squadron flew its first combat mission, patrolling the Mediterranean Sea. They were attached to the 33d Fighter Group for this operation.
Source: 217The 99th Fighter Squadron moved to Fardjouna, Tunisia. From this base, it took part with other units in air raids on the island of Pantelleria.
Source: 222Four P-40s of the 99th intercepted four Me-109 German fighters over Pantelleria. The enemy fled, marking the squadron's first encounter with enemy aircraft.
Source: 224The 99th Fighter Squadron encountered enemy aircraft for the second time. Lt. Lee Rayford's P-40 was hit several times during the engagement.
Source: 233King George VI of the British Empire visited Grombalia Airfield in North Africa. He reviewed approximately 50 enlisted men of the 99th Fighter Squadron.
Source: 237Lt. Charles B. Hall scored the first aerial victory for the Tuskegee Airmen by shooting down an FW-190 over Sicily. This was a major milestone for the "Tuskegee Experiment".
Source: 240Lts. Sherman H. White and James L. McCullin became the first Tuskegee Airmen lost in combat. They went missing on the same day as the squadron's first victory.
Source: 243General Dwight D. Eisenhower visited the 99th Fighter Squadron on the same day as their first victory. His visit demonstrated the command's interest in the unit's performance.
Source: 245The 99th drove off 12 German FW-190s attacking Allied naval vessels. Lt. George Bolling was hit by friendly naval fire but bailed out and was rescued.
Source: 263Personnel and equipment of the 99th Fighter Squadron were airlifted to Licata, Sicily. This move brought them closer to the shifting front lines of the Italian campaign.
Source: 268The first three replacement pilots arrived for the 99th Fighter Squadron. They included Lieutenants Howard L. Baugh and Edward L. Toppins.
Source: 273Raymond Cassagnol of Haiti became the first foreign cadet to graduate from pilot training at Tuskegee. His graduation highlighted the international scope of the training program.
Source: 285Lt. Paul G. Mitchell was killed in a mid-air collision with another airplane in his formation. He was the third 99th Fighter Squadron pilot lost in combat.
Source: 288Major George S. Roberts replaced Lt. Col. Davis as commander of the 99th. Davis returned to the U.S. to command the newly forming 332nd Fighter Group.
Source: 297Advance elements of the 99th Fighter Squadron landed on a beach at Battapaglia in Italy. They landed under enemy fire during the invasion of the Italian mainland.
Source: 302Major General House criticized the 99th's performance, recommending they be removed from combat. This sparked a controversy and an investigation into the unit's efficiency.
Source: 306General Spaatz forwarded criticism of the 99th but noted their excellent discipline. He sent the issue to General Arnold in Washington for review.
Source: 318Time magazine published "Experiment Proved?", discussing the 99th's performance. It mentioned the Army Air Forces was considering reducing their role to coastal patrol.
Source: 325Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. became the first black commander of the 332nd Fighter Group. He replaced white officer Col. Robert R. Selway, Jr.
Source: 332Colonel Davis defended the 99th's record before a War Department committee. He successfully recommended that the unit remain in combat.
Source: 338The 99th Fighter Squadron moved to Foggia, Italy. From there, they provided close air support and attacked surface targets.
Source: 342The 553rd Fighter Squadron was activated at Selfridge Field. Its mission was to train replacement pilots for the 332nd Fighter Group.
Source: 346The 99th Fighter Squadron moved to Madna, Italy. This new base placed them in a better position for operations.
Source: 357The first class of twin-engine pilots graduated at Tuskegee. They would eventually fly B-25 bombers with the 477th Bombardment Group.
Source: 362General Henry H. Arnold, commander of the Army Air Forces, visited the 99th Fighter Squadron in Italy. He was accompanied by Generals Spaatz and Cannon.
Source: 364The 332nd Fighter Group departed Selfridge Field for overseas movement. Meanwhile, Lt. James Wiley became the first 99th pilot to complete 50 sorties in Italy.
Source: 367The 332nd Fighter Group departed Virginia in a convoy to cross the Atlantic. The group sailed on the SS William Few.
Source: 378The 477th Bombardment Group was activated again at Selfridge Field. The group was equipped with B-25 medium bombers.
Source: 391Pilots of the 99th Fighter Squadron shot down 10 FW-190s in one day over Anzio. Captain Clarence Jamison led the formation in this major victory.
Source: 398Captain Charles B. Hall shot down two more aircraft, totaling three. For this action, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Source: 406The 332nd Fighter Group's 100th Fighter Squadron arrived at Montecorvino, Italy. This established the group's first overseas base.
Source: 420The 100th Fighter Squadron began flying P-39s in Italy. On the same day, Lt. Elwood Driver of the 99th shot down an FW-190.
Source: 421Three Tuskegee Airmen of the 99th shot down 3 FW-190s. The victors were Lts. Mills, Eagleson, and Jackson.
Source: 425The 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron entered combat for the first time. Within days, all three squadrons were flying missions.
Source: 438Lt. Harry J. Daniels of the 301st was reported missing in bad weather. He was the first 332nd Fighter Group pilot reported killed overseas.
Source: 447General Eaker recommended the 332nd be equipped with P-47s. This upgrade would allow them to begin bomber escort duties.
Source: 456Lt. Clemenceau McAdoo Givings crashed into the sea and was killed. Meanwhile, the 99th witnessed the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Source: 471Mount Vesuvius erupted, spreading ash over the 332nd Fighter Group base at Montecorvino. The eruption damaged many aircraft.
Source: 474A statistical report showed the 99th performed as well as other squadrons. This refuted earlier criticisms of the unit's efficiency.
Source: 476Captain Erwin B. Lawrence, Jr. replaced Major Roberts as commander of the 99th. Roberts returned to the US for rest.
Source: 496The 332nd Fighter Group and all its squadrons moved to Capodichino, Italy. This was the first time since February that all units were collocated.
Source: 499The 332nd Fighter Group received its first P-47 aircraft. These would eventually replace all P-39 fighters.
Source: 520The 99th Fighter Squadron was officially assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group. However, it remained attached to the 324th Fighter Group for operations temporarily.
Source: 527The 332nd Fighter Group was reassigned to the Fifteenth Air Force. This shifted their mission to bomber escort duties.
Source: 554The 332nd Fighter Group moved to Ramitelli Airfield. This would become their primary wartime base in Italy.
Source: 575The 99th Fighter Squadron flew its 500th combat mission. They also celebrated the first anniversary of their combat debut.
Source: 578The 332nd flew its first mission with the 15th AF. It was a fighter sweep of the Ferrara-Bologna area.
Source: 594The 332nd flew its first heavy bomber escort mission. They protected B-17s on a mission to Pola, Italy.
Source: 600Four pilots shot down 5 Me-109s during a mission to Munich. Col. Davis earned the DFC for his leadership.
Source: 603Lt. Pierson and others strafed and sunk the German destroyer TA-22. This occurred in the Adriatic Sea near Trieste.
Source: 637The 332nd flew an escort mission to Lake Balaton. Two pilots bailed out due to engine failure.
Source: 645The 332nd Fighter Group flew its first mission in P-51 Mustangs. This aircraft would become the group's signature plane.
Source: 662The first elements of the 99th Fighter Squadron arrived at Ramitelli Airfield. They joined the rest of the 332nd Fighter Group.
Source: 666The 332nd flew its first mission to Ploesti. They escorted B-24s against the vital oil refineries there.
Source: 677The 332nd downed four enemy planes during a raid on Nimes. Lt. Elsberry shot down three, and Lt. Sawyer got the first P-51 victory.
Source: 684The 99th Fighter Squadron flew its first combat mission for the Fifteenth Air Force. It was also their first mission with the rest of the 332nd Fighter Group.
Source: 688The 332nd conducted a fighter sweep in Vienna. Two pilots shot down enemy planes during the mission.
Source: 691Three pilots of the 302nd Squadron shot down Me-109s. They were escorting bombers to Avignon, France.
Source: 695The 332nd shot down 12 enemy aircraft in a massive battle. Lt. Lester got 3 victories in a single day.
Source: 701Capt. Joseph Elsberry became the first Tuskegee Airman with 4 victories. He achieved this during an escort mission to Friedrichshafen.
Source: 722Lt. Harold Sawyer shot down an Me-109 escorting bombers to Linz. Two other pilots were reported missing.
Source: 734Capt. Edward Toppins earned his 4th victory credit near Markendorf. Lt. Jackson was reported lost but later returned.
Source: 746The 332nd shot down 8 enemy planes near Lake Balaton. Lt. Gleed got 2 victories during this mission.
Source: 750The 332nd attacked radar stations in Southern France. The mission was costly, with five pilots shot down.
Source: 780Black officers demanded service at the Tuskegee post restaurant. This action led to the integration of the facility.
Source: 799The 332nd escorted bombers during the invasion of Southern France. They covered the 55th Bombardment Wing.
Source: 803Three pilots earned DFCs for shooting down planes near Pardubice. This occurred during an escort mission for B-17s.
Source: 835Units of the 332nd destroyed 22 enemy aircraft on the ground in Czechoslovakia. This happened while returning from an escort mission.
Source: 849The 332nd claimed 83 aircraft destroyed on the ground at Grosswardein. This was a massive strafing success.
Source: 863Escorted B-17s to evacuate POWs from Rumania (Operation Reunion). The bombers were modified to carry personnel.
Source: 867The 332nd claimed 36 planes destroyed on the ground in Yugoslavia. Lt. Calhoun was killed during the attack.
Source: 890Gen. B.O. Davis Sr. presented DFC to his son, Col. Davis Jr., at Ramitelli. It was a historic moment for the unit.
Source: 900Escorted bombers to Blechhammer. Lt. Wilbur Long was reported missing on this mission.
Source: 908Flight Officer Leonard R. Willette was reported lost near Munich. He was flying a P-51 during an escort mission.
Source: 922Destroyed 9 enemy aircraft on the ground in Greece. 5 pilots earned DFCs for their actions.
Source: 927Lts. Hutchins and Woods were reported missing in Greece. 5 pilots earned DFCs for the mission.
Source: 937Lt. Lee Archer shot down 3 Me-109s, bringing his total to 4. 9 pilots earned DFCs that day.
Source: 959Three pilots of the 302nd were shot down by flak. Lt. Hays earned a DFC for his actions.
Source: 968Escorted bombers to Regensburg. Lts. Chandler and Westbrook were reported missing.
Source: 994Capt. Alfonza Davis and Lt. Brewer were reported missing on a mission to Regensburg. Davis was the group's deputy commander.
Source: 1004Capt. Luke Weathers shot down 2 Me-109s escorting to Munich. He earned a DFC for defending the bombers.
Source: 1034Strafing mission in the Vienna area. Lts. Gaiter and Walker went missing.
Source: 1048332nd began using 110-gallon drop tanks for longer range. This increased their escort capabilities significantly.
Source: 1069332nd encountered Me-262 jets for the first time. Two pilots went missing during this mission to Brux.
Source: 108018 B-24s were forced to land at Ramitelli due to weather. The crews stayed 5 days with the Tuskegee Airmen.
Source: 1117Gen. Strother awarded DFCs to 7 pilots including Rayford and Turner. This recognized their sustained combat excellence.
Source: 1120Me-262s were seen following bombers near Vienna. 2 pilots went missing during the mission.
Source: 1144Escorted B-24s to Moosbierbaum Oil Refinery. The mission was part of the strategic bombing campaign against oil.
Source: 1154Escorted B-17s to Lechfeld. Lt. Chavis was lost, while Capt. Clifton earned a DFC.
Source: 1186Three pilots went missing on a strafing/escort mission. Lts. Brown and Thompson earned DFCs.
Source: 1221Lts. Martin and Simmons went missing after being hit by flak over Graz. This was a dangerous low-level mission.
Source: 1249The 477th Bomb Group moved to Freeman Field, IN. This move set the stage for the upcoming civil rights conflict.
Source: 1260Strafed targets in Bruck. Lt. Brown went missing, but 5 pilots earned DFCs.
Source: 1301Lt. Price shot down an Me-109. Lt. Wheeler was lost during the same mission.
Source: 1314Escorted bombers to Berlin. Shot down 3 Me-262 jets and earned a DUC for the mission.
Source: 1349A Chicago Defender article claimed "no bombers lost". This article started the legend that the Tuskegee Airmen never lost a bomber.
Source: 136412 pilots shot down 13 enemy aircraft. 3 pilots went missing during this intense action.
Source: 13777 pilots of 301st shot down 12 enemy aircraft. Lt. Stewart got 3 victories in one day.
Source: 139036 black officers attempted to enter the white officers' club at Freeman Field. This was a direct challenge to segregation.
Source: 140661 officers were arrested for disobeying orders regarding club segregation. This escalated the Freeman Field Mutiny.
Source: 1409101 officers refused to sign regulation accepting segregation. They were arrested for their stance.
Source: 1450Lt. Leftenant was reported missing after a collision north of Klagenfurth. This was a non-combat loss.
Source: 1465101 arrested officers were flown to Godman Field, Kentucky. They were held there under arrest.
Source: 1467Col. Davis earned a Silver Star for a railroad strafing mission. The unit destroyed 35 locomotives.
Source: 1483101 arrested officers were released with reprimands. This followed pressure from higher command.
Source: 1523Lt. Jefferson shot down 2 Me-109s. These were the last aerial victories of the war for the Tuskegee Airmen.
Source: 1535332nd flew its 311th mission for 15th AF (escort to Bolzano). This marked the end of their combat tour in Europe.
Source: 1551332nd held a ceremony to celebrate Victory in Europe. This marked the end of the war in the European theater.
Source: 1571Col. Davis was awarded the Silver Star. Troops reviewed for his departure as he returned to the US.
Source: 1586Col. Davis assumed command of the 477th Composite Group at Godman. This united the bomber and fighter elements.
Source: 1596The 332nd Fighter Group arrived at Camp Kilmer, NJ. This completed their return from overseas service.
Source: 1613The 332nd Fighter Group was inactivated. Its personnel were transferred to other units or demobilized.
Source: 1614The Gillem Report called for more opportunity for black soldiers. However, it stopped short of recommending complete desegregation.
Source: 1617The 99th Fighter Squadron moved to Lockbourne, Ohio. This base became the hub for black Air Force personnel.
Source: 1635The last class of pilots (46-C) graduated at Tuskegee Army Air Field. This marked the end of the pilot training program there.
Source: 1642Tuskegee Army Air Field closed permanently. Its legacy continued through the personnel who trained there.
Source: 1653The 332nd Fighter Group was reactivated at Lockbourne. It became the primary tactical unit for black airmen.
Source: 1656President Truman signed Executive Order 9981. This order mandated equality of treatment in the Armed Services.
Source: 1668332nd Fighter Group marched in Truman's inaugural parade. This was a public display of the unit's discipline and skill.
Source: 1674332nd wins top honors at USAF Gunnery Meet. This victory proved their skill against all other units.
Source: 1676Air Force Letter 35-3 issued, mandating integration. This effectively ended the era of segregated units.
Source: 1678332nd Fighter Group and squadrons inactivated. Personnel were reassigned to integrated units across the Air Force.
Source: 1684