SIR Bidwell Branch 110 Luncheon November 27, 2023

The November program was about one of the most significant
and interesting historical chapters of the American fighter pilots
in P-51 Mustangs protecting our bombers during WWII.
The 99th Fighter Squadron, known as the Tuskegee Airmen were also
known as the Red Tails. The history of this group must be remembered
in the context of 1942, there had never been an African American pilot
in the US Army Air Corp.
Thirteen African American college graduates comprised the first class
in Tuskegee, Alabama. Five of them graduated, and among them was
George S. Roberts who became the first black Commander in US History.
We heard about their training, their combat missions in Europe
from none other than the daughters of Commander Roberts.
We learned why a number of bomber squadrons requested the Red Tails
for protection on their bombing missions. This is probably one of the most
unique historical events at a time of racial segregation, and how these
men were able to participate in WWII representing the United States.
Commander Robert’s daughters are part of the Tuskegee Heritage
Sacramento Chapter and two of them presented a one-hour program
on the history of these pilots and their participation. They also set
up tables with materials about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen
that the lunch group could purchase.

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