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TUSKEGEE AIRMEN TO GET CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL: Congress approves bill honoring group’s trailblazing efforts.
*The Tuskegee Airmen, one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II, will collectively receive the Congressional Gold Medal after final approval was given this week by Congress.
The Tuskegee Airmen were credited with 261 aircraft destroyed, 148 aircraft damaged, 15,553 combat sorties and 1,578 missions. In addition, as an escort fighter wing they never lost a bomber to enemy fighters.
Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich, one of the bipartisan bill’s 78 sponsors, said: “The Tuskegee Airmen were a heroic and trailblazing force in the struggle for civil rights and are richly deserving of the highest honor that Congress can bestow upon them I am proud to play a part in ensuring that their legacy is enshrined in American history.”
The Tuskegee Airmen included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air.
“This heroic group of African-American flyers fought in two types of battles—the battle of World War II and the battle against racism at home,” said . Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich, another co-sponsor of the bill. “These soldiers are a vital part of both America’s and Michigan’s history, and I am thrilled they will finally receive the recognition they deserve.”
The House of Representatives approved the bill earlier – which was sponsored by Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y. – and it will now go to the President for his signature.
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