Honor the Tuskegee Airmen

HONOR THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN 10/19/2005

Dear Colleague:

We write as Republican and Democratic members of the Armed Services Committee to urge you to join us in recognizing the Tuskegee Airmen for their patriotism and their sacrifices for our nation. Specifically, we ask that you co-sponsor H.R. 1259, sponsored by Rep. Rangel, to bestow the Congressional Gold Medal on these heroes.

The Tuskegee Airmen constituted the first American unit of colored persons to see air combat in U.S. military history.

From all accounts, the training of the Tuskegee Airmen was an experiment established to prove that so-called "coloreds" were incapable of operating expensive and complex combat aircraft. Studies commissioned by the Army War College between 1924 and 1939 concluded that Blacks were unfit for leadership roles and incapable of aviation.

President Roosvelt's decision to create this all-Black unit had the opposite effect. Instead of demonstrating African-Americans' purported inferiority, the Tuskegee Airmen proved themselves an essential component of the U.S. military. These fearless fliers conducted over 15,553 sorties and 1,578 missions. They became feared adversaries of the German Luftwaffe and heroes to the American people. Sixty-six were killed in combat, while another 32 were either forced down or shot down and captured to become prisoners of war. These airmen returned home with 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, and Legions of Merit, one Presidential Unit Citation, and the Red Star of Yugoslavia.

Dispelling bigotry and hatred, the courage and effectiveness of these men and women paved the way for the integration of the military, and for the further integration of American society.

Age has taken its toll on the remaining Tuskegee Airmen. Their numbers are dwindling. It is imperative that we act now so that this medal does not become a posthumous honor.

Companion legislation, S. 392, has already passed the Senate with unanimous consent. Please join us in supporting the identical House bill and making this honor a reality.

Should you decide to co-sponsor the House bill, please contact Annie Minguez in Rep. Rangel's office (5-4365).

Very truly yours,

Joe Schwarz, M.D.
Member of Congress

Tim Ryan
Member of Congress

Jeff Miller
Member of Congress

G.K. Butterfield
Member of Congress

Mike Rogers (Ala.)
Member of Congress

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