Tuskegee+Airmen+and+other+successes+by+US+minorities

Greg Doerr October 23, 2007

http://www.africanamericans.com/images2/TuskegeeAirmen3.jpg

Name: Skeeter Mcleon Age: 36 Hometown: Beckville, Delaware Attended: Fox Hill Regional High School Birthday: July 23, 1913 Listed As: In a relationship Income: $12,000 Occupation: Newspaper Reporter


 * __the Tuskegee Airmen and Other Successes by US minorities__**

Skeeter Mcleon Washington Post October 25, 1947

Imagine soaring through the air, in an American fighter pilot, German airmen are firing shots at your back. You along with five other African Americans are part of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen. You perform a beautiful barrel roll, and before you know it the German planes are now in front of you, and you have an easy shot. This attack took place in Sicily, Italy and this was your squadron’s first victory against an enemy aircraft (Danzer 573). Within minutes you land in a near by air force base, which of course is segregated because of the times. You and the rest of your African American pilots fight two wars – one against a military force overseas and the other against racism at home and abroad (Who 1). The Tuskegee Airmen were among the great successes for minorities in World War II. There are many great accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen and other US minorities. Each one of these men accepted the challenge, proudly displayed his skill and determination (Who 1). Another African-American unit to distinguish themselves was the famous 92nd Infantry Division, nicknamed the Buffaloes. The government's view was that blacks were not motivated enough or aggressive enough to fight (Hodges 1). These African American men went on to prove the government very wrong by winning 7 Legion of Merit awards, 65 Silver Stars, and 162 Bronze Stars for courage under fire (Danzer 573). The nickname "Buffalo Soldier" dates back to the late 1860s, when black soldiers volunteered for duty in the American West. The American Indians, who regarded the new threat as "black white men," coined the term "Buffalo Soldier" out of respect for a worthy enemy (Hodges 1). African Americans were not the only minorities who helped serve the United States. Seventeen Mexican Americans soldiers were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor (Danzer 573). Lastly, Japanese Americans served in Italy and North America. The army created the 100th Battalion which saw brutal combat and became known as the Purple Heart Battalion (Danzer 573). All these men whether they were African American, Mexican, Japanese or any other race helped significantly in the success of the United States of America. Without these minorities the United States may not have one the war. Although these minorities are still segregated in America, there great leadership and determination helped the Allies defeat the Germans and the Axis Powers during World War II.

Works Cited

Danzer, Gerald A, et al.. __The Americans__. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell Inc, 2003.

Hodges, Robert Jr.. "African American 92nd Infantry Division Fought in Italy During World War II." __HistoryNet.com__. 2007. 23 Oct 2007 .

“Who were the Tuskegee Airmen?” __Tuskegee Airmen History__, Tuskegee Airmen Inc. 20 Sept 2007, .