[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO AWARD A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO THE 
                            TUSKEGEE AIR-MEN

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                               speech of

                         HON. DANIEL E. LUNGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the Tuskegee airmen. They sacrificed for a Nation they loved 
even when that love was not totally reciprocated. In 1941, the Army Air 
Force began a program to train African Americans as military pilots.
  This was an era of segregation, when popular opinion was against 
training African Americans to become aviators, but the individuals of 
the Tuskegee experience showed the Nation and the world that they were 
equals. By overcoming many hardships, they cast aside the myths that 
had allowed segregation, inequity and injustice to prevail in society.
  To break barriers, there is often one individual who will pave the 
way. The catalyst for African American aviation was Charles Alfred 
``Chief'' Anderson. When first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, climbed into the 
back of Anderson's plane in 1941, a new chapter had begun for military 
aviation in America. His love for flying airplanes began at a young age 
and throughout his life gave wings to countless African American 
pilots.
  In 1943, the Tuskegee airmen tasted combat for the first time. By 
World War II's end, the German Luftwaffe would know them as the ``Red 
tailed Devils'' and the American bombing crews would refer to them as 
the ``Red Tail Angels.'' During the war, the four African American 
fighter squadrons that made up the 332nd fighter group established 
their legitimacy with countless victories in the air. They also 
solidified a legacy of being highly disciplined and capable fighters by 
flying over 200 escort missions over Germany without ever losing a 
bomber to enemy fire.
  For their service they were awarded high honors, including 
Distinguished Flying Crosses, Legions of Merit, Silver Stars, Purple 
Hearts, the Croix de Guerre, and the red star of Yugoslavia. A 
Distinguished Unit Citation was awarded to the 332nd fighter group for 
``outstanding performance and extraordinary heroism'' in 1945.
  The Tuskegee Airmen fought the Axis powers in Europe and racism at 
home. Their accomplishments spoke louder than words and provided 
evidence that led to the integration of our Nation's armed forces. It 
is important that we continue to acknowledge the sacrifices and service 
of these Americans who performed so admirably. The accomplishments of 
the brave Tuskegee Airmen will never be forgotten, and may they always 
remind us of the unlimited power of the human spirit.

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