Tuskegee Airmen will be honored: Mike Rogers sponsors legislation lauding landmark military group

By E. Katherine Underwood
Star Washington Correspondent
02-09-2005

WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Anniston, today will sponsor legislation honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their contributions to the United States during World War II, a service that inspired President Harry S. Truman to desegregate the military in 1950.

"We want people to pause and acknowledge the contributions that these Tuskegee Airmen have made to our nation’s security in the face of incredible challenges back home," Rogers said.

World War II, regarded as the most devastating war in human history, ended 60 years ago this year. The war marked the first time blacks were allowed to fly and hold military leadership positions as the Army Air Corps initiated the "Tuskegee Experiment" to train blacks to pilot and maintain combat aircraft.

The Tuskegee Airmen grew out of the experiment, which paved the road to complete integration of the military.