[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE SERVICE OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

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                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2018

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of the 
Tuskegee Airmen.
  As Veteran's Day approaches and America remembers the sacrifices of 
our military men and women, it is important that we recognize the 
trailblazers that paved the way for our armed forces as we know them 
today.
  By the beginning of World War II, air combat had become an essential 
strategic asset in modern warfare. In a segregated military, African-
Americans had been rejected from training as military aviators until 
Congress passed Appropriations Bill Public Law 18, providing funding 
for the training of African-American pilots. The brave men who answered 
their country's call to service would form the first all-black flying 
unit, commonly called the Tuskegee Airmen.
  The Tuskegee Airmen served in the 99th Pursuit Squadron of the United 
States Air Force, their unit consisting of forty-seven officers and 
four hundred twenty-nine enlisted men. Later they were joined by more 
combat-ready graduates, the all-black 332nd Fighter Group. These 
pioneers led the way to desegregation in the military and their 
exemplary combat record helped lead America to victory in Europe.
  We honor and celebrate these men for their invaluable service to 
their country, not only in the military, but also in our communities.
  Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its 
deliberations and join me in remembering the heroic Tuskegee Airmen 
that served our country.

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