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CAF Red Tail Squadron

N EW SLETTER Monthly Newsletter

2018 was a great year for the CAF Red Tail Squadron, and we are looking forward to an even better 2019! This year will bring about a number of new and exciting developments for the squadron, with a ground school for Ambassadors being held at CAF Headquarters in February, an action-packed season traveling the country for the RISE ABOVE: Red Tail program, and the eagerly anticipated release of the RISE ABOVE: WASP program later in the year.

As Jimmy Doolittle once said, “There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer,” and we’re thrilled to have so many exceptional volunteers in the CAF Red Tail Squadron Ambassador Program. From regional contributors to the CAF Red Tail Squadron Virtual Photo courtesy Francis Wirtgen Museum and assistance with educational outreach program development, to onsite support with the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51C Mustang, our volunteers do In This Issue - January 2019 an incredible job of helping us preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and inspire audiences across the country. Unique to the CAF Red Tail Squadron, we provide all • Leaders view volunteers with an Ambassador Handbook, which outlines typical tasks and responsibilities • Tour schedule at a glance as well as contains an extensive FAQ for answers to all of those questions we tend to get • Educational outreach asked at the various events we attend. • Greetings from the The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will be starting the season on Monday, January 28 at Ambassador team CAF Headquarters for a special Black History Month Presentation open to students in the Dallas/Fort Worth area through Friday, February 8. More information can be found on • Profiles of Tuskegee Airmen: page 3 of this newsletter. Robert Tresville • Women of the Tuskegee Following the Black History Month Presentation in Texas, the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and P-51 C Mustang will embark on a 9-month journey across the country, including such Airmen: Amelia Robinson Jones events as the MCAS Beaufort, Joint Base Andrews, and Spirit of Saint Louis airshows, and • Breaking Boundaries in the other events in cities like Tallahassee, Florida, Spencer, North Carolina, Bowling Green, Sky Kentucky, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, to name a few. Be sure to check our online schedule and come see the Rise Above team at an event near you! • Blue Skies • Our mission in action Last but not least, fundraising efforts and filming for the RISE ABOVE: WASP experience are continuing, with an anticipated release later this year. RISE ABOVE: WASP will build • Join the Top Flight Club! upon the success of the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s outreach efforts and bring another • Quote of the month life-changing message to those ripe for the inspiration. CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP will detail the story of the first women to fly and assist the United States Armed Forces; • Educational resources the WASP, during WWII. The Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, were the first • Did you know female pilots to fly American Military aircraft. Because society held the view that women • Shop with us did not belong in a cockpit, these women had to overcome many challenges before ultimately proving themselves as more than equal to the task of flying complex, modern, • Virtual Museum artifact aircraft. Even though they faced a military un-willing to include them, the perseverance spotlight and dedication the WASP possessed, allowed them to serve their country in a time of great need, blazing a path for generations of women who would follow them into aircraft • In your words cockpits, and male dominated careers everywhere. Though there would only be 1,074 • Archive photos Women who could call themselves WASP, their story provides an inspirational lesson about the power of self-confidence and determination. Teaching us that no matter what • Thank you supporters our dreams may be, working to make them real, will allow us to ultimately succeed. Using • For more information never before seen WASP interviews, state of the art graphics, epic aerial sequences and historic reenactments, CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP will introduce these historic ladies’ story to the world like never before. If you’d like to make your mark on this important endeavor, we hope you will take a moment to learn more about this new expansion and consider pledging your support. Share the news with those you think would be interested, the CAF needs your help to get the word out! RISE ABOVE tour schedule at a glance

PLEASE CHECK OUR SCHEDULE ONLINE FOR UPDATES!

DATE EVENT LOCATION January 29-February Black History Month Program by invitation/RSVP CAF HQ- Dallas, TX 10 only RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit February 19-23 Rise Above Tallahassee Tallahassee, FL RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang February 27-March 3 49 Days of Gratitude: NC Transportation Museum Spencer, NC RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang April 27-28 MCAS Beaufort Air Show Beaufort, SC RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang May 10-12 Joint Base Andrews Air Show Camp Springs, MD RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang May 24-26 The National Salute to America’s Heroes/Miami Miami, FL Beach Air & Sea Show RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang June 4-9 Fort Wayne Air Show Fort Wayne, IN RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang June 12-15 Aviation Heritage Park Hangar Party Bowling Green, KY RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit July 6-7 Kansas City Air Show Kansas City, MO RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang July 22-28 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, WI RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang September 6-8 Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo St. Louis, MO

RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang September 14-15 Marion Wings & Wheels Marion, OH RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang September 25-29 Bikes, Blues, BBQ, and Bombers: Arkansas Air & Fayetteville, AR Military Museum RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit & P-51C Mustang November 1-3 Salute to Military Event at Kemah Boardwalk Kemah, TX RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit

To book RISE ABOVE: Red Tail for your event contact Kristi Younkin, Senior Logistics Coordinator, at [email protected] or (479) 228-4520

Page 2 EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH - IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FOR DALLAS AREA STUDENTS

January 28 - February 8, 2019 COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE at Dallas Executive Airport

Event: Black History Month program Cost: There is no cost for students or teachers/ chaperones. Chaperones: 1 per 14 students Average Visit Length: 2 hours Available Dates: January 29 - February 16 Location: Dallas Executive Airport, CAF Headquarters, 5661 Mariner Drive, Dallas, TX 75237

Please note, there is no lunch provider located on site.

For questions or to sign up your class please contact Bill Shepard at [email protected] or call (214) 330-1700, ext. 0.

The CAF RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will return to Dallas for a Black History Month program. This field trip provides students with an opportunity to learn about the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first African- American Military Pilots, and how the Airmen overcame segregation and adversity to become some of America’s best pilots in World War II.

This field trip opportunity provides students with a chance to learn about the Tuskegee Airmen, and how the Airmen overcame segregation and adversity to become some of America’s best pilots in World War II. In addition to experiencing the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, students will participate in Flight Plan for Life activities designed to emphasize the lessons of the Tuskegee Airmen. These goal-setting activities are designed to help young people create a path to success, while articulating their life goals. Students will also be able to get “hands-on” history, handling artifacts from World War II. Groups will be led by CAF Vice President of Education Bill Shepard who received his pilot’s license at age 16 and is now an airshow pilot. Bill Shepard believes in the importance believes in the importance of perseverance and dedication in tackling life’s obstacles by taking inspiration from real-life stories of individuals who served our country in World War II.

Page 3 GREETINGS FROM THE AMBASSADOR TEAM!

The CAF Red Tail Squadron is looking for exceptional volunteers to become CAF Red Tail Squadron Ambassadors!

There are opportunities to help as a regional contributor to the CAF Red Tail Squadron Virtual Museum, provide data entry support and assist with various other educational outreach program development tasks as needed.

You can also join the team to travel with the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and the rare P-51C Mustang during the airshow season. Those selected will work closely with the CAF Red Tail Squadron to further their mission to educate audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen – America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel.

Volunteer Coordinator Whether you can commit to an extended period of time on the road (for Melanie Burden example, a two-week tour through a particular geographic region) or are able to meet up in your hometown for a specific event, the CAF Red Tail Squadron would love to have you join our team!

The Benefits of Volunteering • Learn something new or build on existing skills • Have fun • Make a difference • Meet people • Gain confidence • Be a part of a community

Whether you can join us at an event or you prefer to help from the comfort of your own home, we have a ROLE for YOU! • The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit • P-51C Mustang • Photography • Virtual Museum • Education • Graphic Design • Marketing • Public Relations • Creative Writing

If you would like to be considered for this incredible opportunity – and help preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and inspire audiences across the country – submit the online volunteer application form and a representative from the CAF Red Tail Squadron will contact you.

Page 4 FACES OF THE AMBASSADOR TEAM!

Melanie Burden Dennis Brown Richard Calvert Alex Carothers Gary Chambers

Tom Cross Richard Dozier Mark Erickson Claudia Harris Bruce Hosking

Mike Jones Frank Kalinowski Brenda Kroening Marianne Leary Will Leveille

Hubert Looney Andrew Madison Michael Martin Lynn May Milton McGee Ron McGee Yvonne McGee Gwen McNeil Ken Mist Walter Nash

Kevin Parks Eric Rebstock Eric Richter Jeannette Rooke Duane Sims

Quentin Smith Jr Steve Sorge Tracy Sorge Alan Taylor Pat Wright

THANK YOU to the CAF Red Tail Squadron Ambassadors!

Page 6 Ambassador Talk

“We really enjoyed helping out. You guys run a first-class operation’’ ~Steve and Tracy Sorge

“It was fun and we look forward to doing it again” ~Milton McGee

“I had a very positive experience helping out at the exhibit. I got to know Terry and Jeanette and what a team! They are super nice people with great hearts and a passion for the Red Tail mission.” ~Dwight Mackel

“My experience as a volunteer at the CAF Red Tail Squadron RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit was very rewarding. I would highly recommend that you experience this volunteer role as I did. Your appreciation and respect for the Tuskegee Airmen will increase tenfold and you will be enriched by the interaction with the visitors who come to see the exhibit. It is an experience I will forever hold dear.” ~Quentin Smith

Join us today! Submit the online volunteer application form and a representative from the CAF Red Tail Squadron will contact you.

Page 7 Annual of the P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen being done by AirCorps in Bemidji, MN Photos by Chuck Cravens

Be sure to visit our Facebook page!

A view from the tail of the Mustang at AirCorps Aviation’s hangar with the inspection panels open for the annual inspection.

The cowl is off so that everything from the firewall forward can be inspected.

Page 8 PROFILES OF TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: Robert Tresville Class 42-K-SE 12/13/1942 2nd Lt. 025761 Bay City, TX

May 9, 1921 – June 24, 1944

Originally named Robert Leslie Tresville, Robert was born on May 9, 1921 to parents, Robert Bernard Tresville and Irma Eloise (nee Jones) in Galveston, Texas. They later moved to Fort Huachuca in Arizona where his father, an army bandleader, was stationed. Robert’s middle name was later changed from Leslie to Bernard making him Robert Bernard Tresville Jr. Shortly after his birth his father was transferred to Fort Benning in Georgia and became director of the 24th Infantry Band.

Tresville graduated with honors from high school in 1938 and entered Pennsylvania State College. Shortly thereafter Congressman Arthur Mitchell appointed Tresville to the West Point after his first year.

Tresville applied for pilot training while at West Point and was sent to Tuskegee Army Air Field where he was trained as a single engine pilot. He graduated as a member of Class 42-K on December 13, 1942 and then traveled back to West Point where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army of the United States. He was only the seventh African American to graduate from West Point.

In December 1943, Tresville was appointed Commanding Officer of the 100th Fighter Squadron succeeding the command of Lieutenant Elwood Driver, and was promoted to captain. As part of the 332nd Fighter Group, Tresville and the 100th Fighter Squadron were deployed to Europe and arrived in Italy on January 29, 1944; Tresville led the first combat mission on Feb. 5.

On June 24, 1944, Tresville was assigned to lead a mission over the Mediterranean Sea to strafe an enemy supply line located west of Airasca, Italy. The group was instructed to fly low to avoid being picked up by enemy radar. About 30 miles from the coast, the engine in 2nd Lt. Charles B. Johnson’s plane stopped. His Thunderbolt hit the water almost immediately. His plane quickly sank; Johnson was trapped inside.

Soon after, Tresville, who apparently did not know Johnson had crashed, made a slight turn, forcing the rear flights to pull up to avoid collision.

Soon after Johnson crashed, the belly of Lt. Earl Sherrard’s plane hit the water. He tried to pull up, but a wing hit the water. According to “The Tuskegee Airmen: The Men Who Changed a Nation” by Charles E. Francis and Adolph Caso, Sherrard was able to get out of his plane, walk out on the wing and inflate his dinghy before his plane sank.

Lt. Samuel Jefferson, who was flying to Sherrard’s right, made a tight turn to try to circle the downed pilot, but got caught in a downward slip stream, which threw his plane into a flat spin. Jefferson’s P-47 crashed and exploded.

Page 9 Shortly after Jefferson crashed, the flight reached the coast of Europe between southern France and Italy — 60 to 80 miles away from its intended target. Tresville tried to correct his previous navigation error, and made a 90-degree turn to fly up the coast of Italy. Lt. Spurgeon Ellington, who flew opposite Tresville during the mission, said the captain was looking at his map when his plane slid off course and plunged into the water.

“Capt. Tresville dropped into the water, shearing his wing tanks and tank supports, bending his propeller and cutting his engine,” 2nd Lt. Dempsey W. Morgan Jr. wrote in a military report. “He then pulled out of the water, cleared his flight, stalled out, mushed into the water and instantly went down.”

Lt. Woodrow Crockett, the deputy flight commander, took over and the flight returned to Ramitelli Air Field in Italy. Sherrard was rescued by a British coastal ship and returned to the base later that day.

“Tresville was a fantastic guy,” Lt. Samuel Curtis said in an interview that was published in “332nd Fighter Group — Tuskegee Airmen” by Chris Bucholtz. “He was smart, he was bright, he was strong, he was well- coordinated. He would have gone far.”

Capt. Andrew “Jug” Turner took command of the 100th Fighter Squadron. Johnson, Jefferson and Tresville are included on the Tablets of the Missing at the Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Italy.

Prior to his death, Tresville had successfully completed 23 missions and had distinguished himself both in terms of the leadership and courage that he displayed. These traits earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow pilots. He was awarded an Air Medal and a Purple Heart for his military service.

Class SE-42-K Order unknown: Edward C. Gleed, Milton T. Hall, Wendell O. Pruitt, Richard C. Pullman, Peter C. Verwayne, William H. Walker, Romeo M. Williams, Robert B. Tresville, Jr.

Page 10 WOMEN OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: Amelia Robinson Jones

GUEST COLUMN: Amelia Jones, Tuskegee Airman By Carol Megathlin, Guest Columnist Nov 11, 2014

At the age of 95, we can be forgiven for not expecting any surprises in our future. So when Mrs. Amelia Jones boarded the Honor Flight bus bound for Washington, D.C., she had no idea that she would return a different person. Amelia Robinson Jones stands among the African-American women who stepped forward during World War II to serve our country. Born on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, the youngest of 14 children, she completed her bachelor’s degree in 1942 at Georgia State College, later renamed Savannah State University.

On Feb. 10, 1943, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps at Hunter Army Airfield. In September of the same year, Uncle Sam called her to active duty as a member of the renamed Women’s Army Corps.

For two years, her 118th Army Air Force Base Unit served at several different posts across the country. Her last assignment, at Godman Field in Kentucky, lay silent in her past until Sept. 6, 2014, at the WWII Memorial in Amelia Jones in the 1940s Washington, D.C.

Then her life changed.

John W. McCaskill was roaming the Memorial that day, dressed in a WWII uniform as part of the National Park Service “Living History Meets Honor Flight” program. Hundreds of WW II veterans from all over the nation were milling about the Memorial, but John, an African-American himself, was drawn to “Miss Amelia.”

Upon their first encounter, John said, “Ma’am, I’ve walked through many doors of opportunity, and it’s because you and so many others kicked the doors off the hinges.”

As her Honor Flight guardian pushed her wheelchair around the Memorial, Miss Amelia ran into John a second time. She asked if he would take her to the Memorial’s bas-relief honoring the women who served in WWII.

With John kneeling beside her wheelchair, Amelia recounted the units she had served with, but it was the last one that almost made his heart stop. The 99th Pursuit Squadron at Godman Field in Kentucky. He couldn’t believe his ears.

Page 11 He was speaking to a woman who had served with the black aviators who came to be known as the Tuskegee Airmen. And she had no idea that she qualified to be one of them.

But John did. He had just completed a dual master’s degree in military and American history. His thesis topic? The Tuskegee Airmen.

He explained that the term includes anyone who participated in the Tuskegee experience. Amelia had supervised the postal service at Godman Field, delivering mail to the aviators of the 99th Pursuit Squadron. At John’s request, Amelia sent him a copy of her discharge papers. Within several days, John had Amelia Robinson Jones certified as a “Documented Original Tuskegee Airman.”

John worked feverishly. Miss Amelia is under Hospice Savannah’s home care, a star in their “We Honor Veterans” program. Afflicted with COPD — though she never smoked — her lungs are fragile, vulnerable to flu and pneumonia.

John contacted the Hiram Mann chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen in Walterboro, South Carolina, working alongside Honor Flight Savannah, Hospice Savannah and the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum to arrange an induction ceremony for Miss Amelia.

On the morning of Oct. 25, 2014, at the Mighty 8th Museum, Chief Master Sergeant (retired) James Hampton of the Walterboro Tuskegee Airmen and Brigadier General (retired) Arnold Gordon-Bray slipped the signature red Tuskegee blazer onto the shoulders of Amelia Robinson Jones.

At the reception following her induction, Amelia’s only child, a son, said that his mother had raised four or five other boys.

“She was the mother of the neighborhood,” he said. “But she could be a disciplinarian at times.”

Immediately after the war, Amelia used the G.I. Bill to pursue a master’s degree at Howard University. She worked two years for A&T State College in Greensboro, North Carolina, then served for 19 years as the services club director at both Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Field in Georgia.

Discipline, duty, integrity and hard work — all the hallmarks of a good soldier. And Sergeant Amelia R. Jones adhered to those values all her life. As a result, her history has been one of honor and achievement. All this as a woman, a black woman, born on July 3, 1919.

These are our American veterans.

Carol Megathlin is a writer living in Savannah.

John McCaskill with Sgt. Amelia Jones on Sept 6, 2014, at the World War II Memorial

Page 12 Breaking Boundaries in the Sky | National Air and Space Museum

Earlier this year the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. asked me to speak about my aviation experiences based on an article that I co-wrote in the 2016 Oct / Nov edition of Air & Space Magazine.

I, along with others involved in aviation spoke at the Smithsonian IMAX theatre in DC about our personal experiences. Myself, Beverly Bass: the first female captain for American Airlines and Refilwe Ledwaba: the first female, black South African pilot (2005) entrepreneur and founder of Women & Aviation gave presentations.

~Brad Lang

Aviators from diverse backgrounds share how they overcame barriers to become commercial airline pilots. Who’s behind the cockpit door? When we think of airline pilots, we have a certain picture in our minds. However, women and minorities are making important strides to increase diversity within the industry. These panelists, who have broken gender and racial barriers in the industry, will address the current social landscape of commercial flying and reflect upon their own experiences.

Watch the full presentation!

Page 13 Blue skies... January 5, 2019

Tuskegee Airman John ‘Captain Jack’ Lyle 44-G-SE 8/4/1944 Flt. Officer T64638 Chicago IL

John “Jack” Lyle named his plane “Natalie” in honor of his first wife, was credited with shooting down a German Messerschmitt.

“We flew 500 feet above the bombers to keep enemy fighters from hitting our guys,” he recalled in a 2012 interview with Jet magazine. “I loved flying, being up in the clouds, the scenery. I flew 26 combat missions, from southern Italy to Austria and southern Germany, over the Austrian Alps.”

Lyle told Jet he was fired upon several times.

“I watched bombers being torn apart, but they were performing the mission they signed up to do,” Lyle said. “And when I had to shoot the guy who was shooting at the planes I was protecting, I did not feel bad because that was my assignment.”

After the war, he became a Chicago police officer with the park district and operated a tree trimming company. His favorite hobby was sailing on Lake Michigan.

Read full article at ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: January 7, 2019

Visit Profiles of Tuskegee Airmen and take a closer look at the lives and accomplishments of some of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. New profiles are added regularly and will grow as the staff and volunteer of the CAF Red Tail Squadron continue their tireless efforts to research and share the remarkable stories of these important American figures.

We invite you to share stories and photos with us to feature! Contact LaVone [email protected], by calling (888) 928-0188, or by mail at:

CAF Red Tail Squadron 971 Hallstrom Drive Red Wing, MN 55066

Page 14 OUR MISSION IN ACTION Students who have visited the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit share their letters of thanks to the Tuskegee Airmen.

Page 15 Page 16 At ICAS we learned a story of a young girl that came to an ICAS members flight school to finish up her Multi- engine training in preparation for her new job at an airline. The instructor asked her what got her into aviation and she said she saw the Rise Above Traveling Exhibit several years ago in North Carolina. She realized she wanted to fly, and the Rise Above Six Guiding Principles were a road map to achieve her goal.

My life has been wonderful and every changing. February 20th, 2012, I visited the North Carolina Transportation Museum located in Spencer, NC. That particular weekend, the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit of the CAF Red Tail Squadron was there! Just outside the movie trailer, the local EAA Chapter had a table set up promoting a Summer camp they sponsor. Since my family and I spent many weekends camping on High Rock Lake, I decided to sign up for the week-long camp at the Rowan County Airport, just out of curiosity. This EAA Aviation Summer Camp Exploring New Dimensions (A.S.C.E.N.D) was great! We learned about the steam instruments and the primary controls of airplanes; created small scale wings to help us understand the function of a wing; and explored other areas of aviation other than pilot careers. At weeks end, all attendees had the opportunity to go up in a private plane. I went up in a Cessna 177RG for a thirty-minute flight. The owner/pilot/instructor showed me how to take off and then he said I could fly the plane! He gave me a mini lesson then and there and I did it! Once back on the ground, everyone could tell that I LOVED IT! I was grinning from ear to ear and I know my heart was smiling. The feeling of that first flight has never really left me!

~Hannah McFarland

Page 17 For $99 you can join the exclusive ranks of the Top Flight Club!

When you join, you’ll get the special member-only Top Flight Club hat and annual pin, and will collect a different pin each year of membership.

Each year, an annual report detailing Top Flight Club membership dues at work will be made available. Get in this awesome collaboration with the CAF Red Tail Squadron to honor the Tuskegee Airmen!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Education is the one thing no one can take away from you and it can be the key to achieving your future goals.” ~Tuskegee Airman Lt Col Hiram Mann

Photo courtesy Chris Ebdon Page 18 DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREE RISE ABOVE RESOURCE KIT!

Looking for some guidance to integrate the lessons of the Tuskegee Airmen into your classroom or motivational program?

Download the free RISE ABOVE Resource Kit!

You’ll get access to a treasure trove of digital materials to start using right away.

Want to go a step further? Check out all the affordable supporting educational materials available!

Order a set of 20 Triumph Over Adversity – RISE ABOVE: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen booklets for only $20 or call (888) 928-0188 for custom quantities.

Also check out the Inspiration Pack to receive 50 dog tags and 50 Triumph Over Adversity – RISE ABOVE: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen booklets for only $95!!!

Subscribe to the CAF Red Tail Squadon’s YouTube Channel!

Page 19 DID YOU KNOW?

15 January 1944: The 477th Bombardment Group, Medium, which had formerly been an all-white group before it had been inactivated, was activated again at Selfridge Field, Michigan, along with the 616th Bombardment Squadron. This time most of its personnel would be black. The group was equipped with B-25 medium bombers. Despite the activation of the bombardment group at Selfridge, the 553rd Fighter Squadron continued serving at the same base, training replacement P-39 pilots for the 332nd Fighter Group, which had moved overseas. (Maurer, Air Force Combat Units of World War II) Meanwhile, back in Italy, 2d Lt. William E. Griffin of the 99th Fighter Squadron was last seen in a smoking and diving P-40 at 2,000 feet during an attack on a target in the town of San Valentino, Italy. He was listed as missing in action.

Lt William Griffin of the 332nd Fighter Group crash-landed his plane in enemy territory after it was hit by enemy fire on January 15, 1944. Griffin was captured and held at Stalag Luft I until end of the war with other prisoners of war; he is standing in the back row, fourth from the left. (Courtesy of Stalag Luft I Online)

Page 20 SHOP WITH US FOR MERCHANDISE WITH A PURPOSE! Visit our online store at www.redtail.org/store Shipping is included!

332nd Panther t-shirt $20 Show your support for the Tuskegee Airmen and the CAF Red Tail Squadron with this awesome t-shirt. Designer Matthew Yee captures the 332nd panther and our Mustang in a creative design exclusive for the CAF Red Tail Squadron!

How cool is t h i s?!

P-51C Mustang Tin sign

Custom made by Tin Tail Numbers, LLC to showcase the markings of our P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen!

Each sign is approximately 16 inches by 30 inches, made from metal, with a slight contour to replicate the aircraft.

Your sign will have 25 hand-punched rivets and punched perimeter for an authentic body panel finish. The pre-punched holes allow for easy mounting.

$209.95 includes free shipping within the continental USA! Page 21 Tuskegee Airmen Squadron Patches Collect all five of these Tuskegee Airmen patches. $10 each

Learn more about the squadrons of the Tuskegee Airmen and their different patches!

Squadron Patches of the Tuskegee Airmen hat $25 This unique hat features 11 patches of the Tuskegee Airmen and the emblems that were used to signify all their squadrons. Wear a remarkable piece of history and spark conversations to help people understand the important history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen!

CAF Red Tail Squadron Patches $10 each

Page 22 CAF Red Tail Squadron Virtual Museum Artifact Spotlight

Not a physical collection, the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s Virtual Museum is a community collaborative effort, made up of photos and information of artifacts pertaining to the Tuskegee Airmen submitted from all around the country. Anyone with an item of significance to the Tuskegee Airmen, or has visited the location of a memorial in tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, can share their knowledge by submitting to the Virtual Museum.

Aerial image of Ramitelli Air Field

Submitted by: Vincenzo Cupaioli

Location: Campomarino, Province of Campobasso, Italy

About: This is an aerial photograph of the Campomarino plain taken September 9, 1945, provided by the Istituto Geografico Militare. Outlined are the airfields in use during World War II, including the segregated Ramitelli Air Field, used by the Tuskegee Airmen when they were flying bomber escort missions into central and eastern Europe for the 15th Air Force.

The photo was taken from an altitude of 7500m at a scale of 1:55000. The area depicted here is east of the town of Termoli (Molise region, province of Campobasso) and is located between the river Biferno to the west and the river Saccione to the east, both visible on the right and left side of the photograph..

The airfield coordinates were:

BIFERNO airfield runway & dispersal: 41°57’34.95°N, 15°2’55.67°E;

CANNE airfield runway & dispersal: 41°55’50.77°N, 15°3’45.91°E;

MADNA airfield runway & dispersal: 41°55’10.99°N, 15°4’46.76°E;

RAMITELLI airfield runway & dispersal: 41°53’53.25°N, 15° 6’48.17°E;

NUOVA Airfield 41°53’3.02°N, 15°4’57.12°E

Page 23 IN YOUR WORDS

I believe the P-51 was one of great the technological breakthroughs that allowed the Allies to prevail in WWII. The role that it played as escort to our bombers was crucial, as well as carrying out its own separate missions as tank destroyer, troop support and strafing. The CAF Red Tail Squadron’s mission to share the message of this aircraft is important because it makes young people aware of the sacrifices made for our country and the great individuals who served in such an important role. ~ Jim Lanier

We have always had an affinity for all WWII aircraft, and the P-51 is one of our favorites. When we found out the CAF Red Tail Squadron was going to fully restore and keep a flying Red Tail P-51, we were hooked and decided to become sponsors. We are losing a great generation of WWII veterans and we want to help preserve their stories and history. We are hoping that we are able to help save the Squadron’s P-51, a little piece of history. ~ Jim & Julie Huntington

The reason that I support the CAF Red Tail Squadron is to honor my father, Clarence W. Dart, who was a Tuskegee Airman. The mission is important so that everyone learns the battles fought at home and overseas, before the civil rights movement of the 1960’s, and the importance of a good education. ~ Warren L. Dart

Thanks to Mike Miller with The Military Guide for sharing this informative and reliable resources for Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, Reservists, and anyone considering joining the Armed Forces.

“My crew and I are a group of veterans and family members trying to help those who’ve served. I noticed you are also providing valuable information to the community. I wanted to take a quick moment to thank you.

Oddly enough, the hardest part of military life was my transition away from it. And I’m not alone. Depression, addiction, joblessness and the worst problems that affect the community can all be combatted through adequate help and resources as a servicemember begins to transition to civilian life.”

Please consider sharing these resources: US Department of Veteran Affairs Crisis Hotline Planning for Life after Discharge Transition to Civilian Life 50% to Mesothelioma Lawsuit Guide Surviving Spouses Resources Best Jobs for Returning Servicemembers ASVAB Prep

Learn more at themilitaryguide.org

Page 24 ARCHIVE PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AIR FORCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH AGENCY

Communications trainees posing for what may be a class photograph, possibly at Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois

Louis G. Hill Jr., Class 44-B, served at the former Atterbury Army Air Field as a B-25 Bomber Pilot during WWII. Maurice Pompey Page 25 Educator and author Robert Russa Moton (1867-1940) was the second president of Tuskegee Institute. Tuskegee’s Moton Field, where the famed Tuskegee Airmen trained during World War II, is named in his honor.

Robert Russa Moten graduated from Hampton Institute in 1890. In 1891 he was appointed commandant of the male student cadet corps at Hampton Institute. After serving 24 years as an administrator at Hampton Institute he was selected to replace Booker T. Washington principal of Tuskegee Institute after his death. He held the postion at Tuskegee for 20 years until his retirement in 1935. Moton Field, the initial training base for the Tuskegee Airmen was named after him.

Moton Army Airfield Page 26 Thank you to the donors who have joined us at the supporter level of $100 or more. Pledge your support and join the ranks! Names are listed in the online Honorary Flight Log.

* denotes a new Top Flight Club member of the CAF Red Tail Squadron

Cheryl Aaron Mr Robert Caldwell Mr Stephen E De Maeyer Mr Earl G Adams Jennifer Callender Paul Deaderick Mr Joseph W Albright Joyce S Calloway Mrs Alice B Dempster William M Alden Matthew Capps Linnet J Denny Patrick W Allen *Alex Carothers John Dickerson Ms Claudia P Ambro Andres Carnot Msgt James Diggs Mr Hans C Anderson Mr Robert A Carpenter Ms Ruth S Disher Robert Anderson Aaron Carr Alexander Dixon Glover Lee Anderson Dale Carrison Mr Samuel Dixon Dave Antoine Alfred Carson Martha Dixon Mr George Anton Margaret Carter Mr Howard J Donoho Jr Ms Helen Appel Patsy Causey Mrs Charlene Donohoe Mr. & Mrs. Robert Armstrong Edna Chase Mr Wilburn Dooley Lillard G Ashley Sam W Chatman Ms Olga Dottin Betty L Austin Sandra Chefney Eldridge G Doubleday Ms Barbara Shannon Banister William H Chong Jim Dowdy Ms Mary Bartlett Warren Christian II Lee Drayton Ms Martha Barton-Leonar Robert R Clark Thomas Drehs Lawrence Bascomb Mr Jack Clark Frederick R Drexler Don A Basnight Ms Barbara G Clark Dr Eugene Dryer Ernest Bell Mr Bobby F Coates Gabrielle Dujue Frank Bell Alex Cobb Jr Jonathan Dunmore Cyprian Belle Jr Raiford Cockfield Mr. & Mrs. Bob and Debbie Dutton Mr Donald S Berlin Mr George Coelho John David Eads Mr Harry & Deborah Bernheim Lutu J Coffey Mr Henry Ealy Robert Benzin Sydney Cohen Vicki Eastland Mr Barrett Bingaman Eugene C Coleman Mr Thomas H Edelen Sr Gordon Biscomb Vernon B Coles Dota Leslie Edwards Mr Dennis Bishop Linda J Collins Mr Joseph Edwards Anita M Black Willie and Mary Collins Joyce A Edwards Ms Marian C Blackshear Mr Richard Collins Yvonne Edwards Sherman Blair Leroy Connelly Mr Joseph J Eigner Sr Mr Christopher Blanc Mr Victor Conti Laverna S Elder Mack Blann Ms Carol Cooke Lawrence W Elliott Sr Mr Vincent L Blegen Mr Langdon M Cooper Leon Embry August C Bolino Luis Cordero Dave England Harry L Boston Thomas Cornforth James J and Janet A Engleson William Bowen Ms Linda Cotton Dianne M Engram Joe Boyd Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Cox Mazie S Epps Mr Arturo S Boykin Samuel & Denise Craig Floyd Evans Celestine A Brabble Mrs Ada J Crooks Junior Evans Mr & Mrs Earle L Bradford Ms Mary L Crooms Gerald Feeney Mr James B Brandel Frederick Crosby Lillian Feldman Steven R Bridges Tom Cross David Ferro Ms Tangerine Brigham Mr Frederich Crouch Herman L Fitzgerald Jr Ida Brodie Mr Jesse L Daniels Sr K Flournoy-Brazile Cheryl Brown James W Daniels Jr Mr Darrell W Foell Lloyd R Brown Mr Clarence Davis III Msgt Theodore C Ford Mr Roger W Brown Mr Kent Davis Mr Henry W Foster Mr Herbert Bruington Mr Jimi Davis Dr. Will Foston Cartellia M Bryant Mr Carl E Davis Mr James A Franklin Sr Willie D Burt Mrs Andree H Davis Ms Vera Franklin Mr Dennis Butler Phyllis Davis Robert Franklin Mr Kermit L Cain Anne Davis Dr Elizabeth Spencer Freeman

Page 27 Elmer Freeman David Ingram Ms Adrienne B Mars David French Mr John A Innes Pearl Alice Marsh Mr William U Funk Mr James R Jackson Patricia E Martin Alton Garrett Robert Jackson Jr Ms Ruth R Martin Mr Marcel Garsaud Jr Eric R Jackson Arthur Martin Mr Gerald Z Gibian Marilyn Jackson Thomas Mazelin Isaac T Gillam IV Mohamed Jah Charles D McCarthy Mr Vernon B Glenn Mr Solomon J Jamerson Robert McCreary Dr. Hubert Glover Elvena Jarvis Terence McGurn *Glenn Goldman Mr Columbus Jenkins Shirley McGinnis Mr Donald G Goodwin C W Jennings Lois McGuire Mr Luther L Gordon Ludie J Johnson Mr Douglas R McKissack Julius Grant Ms Marjorie Grafton Johnson Joan McKoy Samuel Gray Delouris Johnson Ocie McNair in memory of Ogis McNair Elmer E Gray Mr Phelix N Joiner Jr Richard J McLoone Lillian Green John P Jones Patricia Medley Mr Walter Greenfield Mr John W Jones Annie Meyers Mr William B Greenough Mrs Clara M Jones Georgella Miller Eric Griffin Charles Jones Warren Miller Patrick L Gross Cynthia D Jones Mr John Moll Paul Guercio Mrs Julius Jones Ms Anna Mae Moore Mr James Hailey Ms Lesley Jones Michael Moore Dr Bernard Hale Leroy G Jossell Ms Mary Morello Mr Richard R Hall Jr Francis Kalinowski Mary Morie Mr Garry D Hall Gerald P Kaminsky Morris Family Foundation Ralph K Hallett Jr Maurice E Kaufman Ms Phoebe Morris Keith Hamilton Helen B Keels Alphonse Mudd Warren J Haney Jr Karen Kehoe Thomas Muench Robert & Jo Harper Kathy King Millard Murphy Mr Robert Harrison Mr Errol Kirk Melvin Myers Hilton L Harrod Mrs Patricia E Kirkpatrick-Howat Helen M Myers Dr Jimmy Hartwell Roosevelt Kitchens Mr Bruce Nagle James Harvey James & Mary Kleinwort Arvind Nandedkar Mr John Hayes Jeane Knapp J C Napier Michael Heaney Ronald Knight Mr Thomas E Nelson Mr Ole Helgerson Alberta Knight Ms Audrey D Nelson Col Franklin J Henderson Mr Eugene P Koller *Janette Newhouse Loyal Henderson Joseph R Kramer Mr Peter E Neves Mr Jimmie R Henson Mr Thomas Lamarr Ms Joanne Nissen Mr & Mrs Wm Hickman Laura M Lane Alan Nolte Gregory D Hill Richard Pasnak and Ann Lapchick William Norcross David Hills Vail Leach John F O’Brien Eddie L Hillsman Ms Kay Ledyard Harry Oden Mr James W Hobbs Daniel Lee Mr Robert Oliver Mr Lash L Hocutt Valerie Lee Gregory & Rhoda L Olsen Robert H Hodge Edward Leonard II Mr Philip J O’Neill Ms Marilyn Hoegemeyer Elsworth Locus Cynthia Orage Solomon Holland Stanley F Lofton Mr & Mrs E Gordon Pahre Mr J Richard Holmes Mr Herman M Long Mr Thomas Park Dr. Verna L Holoman Clark Lowe Mr Robert G Pasquill Jr *Walter Hope Joanne Lowe Norita Parker Mr & Mrs William F Horton Ms Joyce H Lowinson Theodore Patrick Judi E House Msgt L Luther Michael Patterson Mr James B House Ms Margaret G Madden Ms Jeanette M Pattman Mr & Mrs James Huddleston Mr Daven Madsen Melvin E Paxton Ms Fannie Huges Stephen Maenhout Frankie Perdue Tarkus H Huguley Mr Thomas Maher Sandra Perkins Mr Fred W Hunter Janet Marble Ms Dorothy Person Dr Carlessia A Hussein Marc Manderscheid Col Billy G Phillips James T Hutchinson David Marcrander Aaron Pingree

Page 28 Mr Melvin T Pinn Jr Ms Jane A Sims Anthony Trouern-Trend Mr. & Mrs. Ronzo Porter Anthony Singleton Ms Cynthia P Tucker Mrs Earline D Powell Albert H Small Mr Kenneth B Turpin Mr John T Pratt Fanny Smalls Arthur D Tyson Corrie Prince Mr & Mrs Albert Smith Mr Henri P Van Helden Florence Puccio Hugh Smith Melody Vance Judson Purlie Mr & Mrs Douglas B Smith Vincent Viglione Chuck Purvis Shirley Smith Dr Edward L Wagner Mr John Rallis Mr Robert Spencer Col Lawrence R Walker Carol Ramsey Ms Donna Sprott Cheri Walker Jeffrey E Ramsey Marilyn St Pierre Mr Moses L Walker Mr Robert Ratcliff Richard J Stacey Leatha B Wallace Mr Donald H Reese Ms Clara R Stanton Mr Don J Ward Shirley Reid Mr James W Stanton Csm Rufus B Warner Mr William E Rice Mr Harry W Starr III Dr Richard B Warner Mr Joseph Richardson Mr D Steel Charles S Warren Mr Bonnie D Rivers Jr Dr. William (Bill) Steeves Calvin Washington Mr Michael F Rizor Mr Carleton Steins Suzanne Wasilczuk B N Robards Mrs Jeanette K Stephens Don Watson Mr Ned J Robinson III Mr Albert Stephens Ollie Watson Yvonne Roebuck Michael L Stewart Clarence R Webb Mr Jeffrey Rogart *Gary Stinnett Theodore E Webster Alan Rollinger Mr Dean J Stoker Mr Linden H Welch Henry Romero Timothy Sullivan Mr Robert Welter Don Roper Mr William Ray Sutton R.C. Wharton Roger Ross David Swansick Edward Whitaker Edgar Roulhac Stephen Sumandra Ltc James R White Cynthia Roye William Swaim Mr Bruce H Wickmann John Thomas Russell John & Fredda Swanson Ms Carol May Wideman Gary Sackett Tom Swigart Adell Williams Gene L Salisbury Ltc Stephen Taylor Mr Andrew Williams Jean B Sanders Eric Taylor Jacqueline Gray Williams Joan M Scheel Sanford Taylor Dr. Robert Williams Roger Schlage Merle F Taylor Shirley Williams *Arthur Schoenstadt Dr Peggy B Taylor Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Williamson Mr Richard L Schroder Maj Gen Larry S Taylor Ted J Williamson Anthony Schumacher Mr Charles H Terry Eric E Willingham Mr Ronald W Schwartz Alan Thiel Mr Kenneth L Wills J Schwengels Mr George W Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Wilson Walter Scott Anna Thomas Mr George J Wilson Dr Willie G Scott Mr & Mrs Edward D Thomas Mr Joseph W Wilson III Ms Constance Scroggins Alfonso Thompson Margaret Wilson Howard Scroggins Carol Boone Thompson Robert Wolcott John B Shea Dr Thomas Thompson Barbara J Wood Mr Thomas Sheffield John B Thorne Octavis J Woodard Sr Mr Eddie Sheldrake George Thornton Mr King D Wright Paul D Shelton Tull Thornton Dr Walter Wynkoop Mr & Mrs Pete Sheridan Lance Tibbles Anthony Yandoli Ollie Sherman Christopher Tietze James B Zazas Willie C Shuler Sr Joel L Tillman Charles Zeigler Stephen Siben William B Townsell Gloria Zimmer John Simmons Mr Charles M Traughber Jim & Helen Zimmerman William Sims Mary Troudt David Zuck

Thank you for helping to preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen for generations to come!

Page 29 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please mail correspondence or To bring RISE ABOVE: Red For general inquiries, donations to our home office at: Tail to your event, contact: contact: CAF Red Tail Squadron® 971 Hallstrom Drive Kristi Younkin LaVone Kay Marketing Director Red Wing, MN 55066 Senior Logistics Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] (479) 228-4520 (888) 928-0188

Doug Rozendaal Melanie Burden Squadron Leader Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] [email protected]

COMMEMORATIVE AIRFORCE, CAF RED TAIL SQUADRON, RISE ABOVE, RED TAIL MAIL and AMERICA’S TRIBUTE TO THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN are trademarks of the Commemorative Air Force. © 2018 Commemorative Air Force. All Rights Reserved.

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The CAF Red Tail Squadron and its outreach programs are not affiliated with Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. All funds donated to the CAF Red Tail Squadron are used by the organization for education outreach programs to further their mission to educate audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Endorsement and support of the organization and its efforts by original Tuskegee Airmen, their family members or members of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. should not be considered an endorsement by Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

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