[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11567]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN CREATING AN 
                   INTEGRATED UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 1, 2004

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Con. 
Res. 417 honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their amazing contributions 
during World War II and the impact they had in creating an integrated 
United States Air Force.
  As the first African-American combat unit in the Army Air Corps, the 
Tuskegee Airmen helped shatter stereotypes by fighting for freedom both 
abroad and here at home. Through their heroism in the skies above North 
Africa and Europe, the Airmen demonstrated that African-Americans could 
be effective members of the military. Completing over 500 missions 
during the war, the Tuskegee Airmen destroyed over 250 enemy aircraft 
without losing a single American bomber. Their individual and 
collective acts of courage helped pave the way for the desegregation of 
the Army in 1948.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize four members 
of the Tuskegee Airmen with ties to my hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. 
Alfred L. Woolridge, Gordon T. Boyd, Leroy A. Battle, and Alfred 
McKenzie were four individuals with separate lives and histories. Each 
brought unique skills to their service and each helped to form this 
historic group of Tuskegee Airmen. I would like to take this 
opportunity to speak briefly about each of these incredible men and 
share a bit about them with you.
  Mr. Alfred L. Woolridge, a Baltimore resident, joined the Tuskegee 
Airmen after enlisting in the Army in 1942 and being assigned to the 
Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. A scientist with a master's degree 
in chemistry and mathematics, Mr. Woolridge worked as an aircraft 
engineering officer ensuring that the planes were safe to fly every 
morning. After leaving the Army in 1946, Mr. Woolridge worked as an 
analytical chemist in Maryland until 1974. He remained an active member 
of his Baltimore community until his death in March of 1998.
  After being inducted into the Army Air Corps during World War II, Mr. 
Gordon T. Boyd Jr. became a bombardier and a navigator. He joined the 
Tuskegee Airmen after being assigned to the Tuskegee Institute in 
Alabama. Mr. Boyd ascended to the rank of First Lieutenant and is 
credited with helping newer cadets adjust to military life. After being 
honorably discharged in 1946, Mr. Boyd worked as a management 
specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau until his retirement in 1979. 
Before his death on May 5, 1995, Mr. Boyd became a charter member of 
the East Coast Chapter D.C. Tuskegee Airmen Inc.
  Mr. Leroy A. Battle was a jazz musician who played with Billie 
Holliday before he was drafted into the Army in 1943. He volunteered to 
join the Tuskegee Airmen and soon became a bombardier and a navigator. 
On April 5, 1945, Mr. Battle along with 100 other airmen, defied orders 
by attempting to desegregate the officer's club at Freeman Field in 
Seymour, Indiana. The Freeman Field Incident played an important role 
in African-American attempts to combat racism in the Armed Forces and 
eventually paved the way for President Truman's order to desegregate 
the Army in 1948. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Mr. 
Battle spent 29 years teaching before retiring in 1978. He continues to 
be an active member of his community by speaking out about his 
experiences as a Tuskegee Airman.
  Mr. Alfred McKenzie joined the Tuskegee Airmen after being drafted 
into the Army in 1942. After completing advanced training, Mr. McKenzie 
became a B-25 pilot. He was sent to Freeman Field in Indiana where he 
later joined Mr. Battle and 100 other airmen in attempting to 
desegregate the officer's club. After World War II ended, Mr. McKenzie 
continued to fight for the cause of civil rights. After being passed 
over for a promotion numerous times at the Government Printing Office, 
McKenzie filed a class action lawsuit. The suit resulted in an order to 
end discrimination in promotions and a $2.4 million award in back pay 
to over 300 people. He continued to work for various civil rights 
causes until his death on March 30, 1998.
  These four men exemplified the bravery of the legendary Tuskegee 
Airmen. They served their country both on the battlefield and off and 
were valued members of their Maryland communities. Mr. Speaker I am 
honored to speak today on behalf of H. Con. Res. 417 honoring all of 
the Tuskegee Airmen including these four gentlemen. At a time in our 
history when we mark the unbelievable accomplishments of the Greatest 
Generation, dedicate the new World War II Memorial, and commemorate the 
60th Anniversary of D-Day--I think it is only fitting that we recognize 
these men and their fellow airmen of Tuskegee.

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