Tuskegee Airmen: American Heroes
Put a red circle around Wednesday, July 14th on your calendar. At the regular monthly meeting of SPA, our special guests will be two of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Bev Dunjill and Bob Martin. Both are members of the Chicago "DODO" Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.; Bev is the president.
On March 7, 1942, the first class of African-American aviation cadets graduated from Tuskegee (Alabama) Army Air Field and became the nations first African-American military pilots. The 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group were established by the Army Air Forces specifically for them.
After combat duty in North Africa, they distinguished themselves in Italy. Their exemplary performance (they never lost a bomber they escorted) helped them to earn the respect of the bomber crews who dubbed the the "Red-tail Angels" (the tails of their planes were painted red -- you can ask Bev and Bob why).
Come to meet Bev and Bob at 7 p.m. on July 14th. AFter their presentation, they will be happy to answer your questions. They will also be bringing an assortment of Tuskegee books and memorabilia which will be available for purchase.
