Tuskegee airman Jack Johnson dies at 82

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[Agnes Heep]

Their accomplishments were even greater for having served during a time when blacks were officially being accorded second-class status--a wrong that was eventually righted.

[SAMWolf]

Jack Arthur Johnson

[U S Army EOD]

The training being in Alabama, it was a wonder that the local people treated the Airman with more respect than the Army did at the time.

[cyborg]

Yes I agree. They loved America at a time when America didn't exactly love them back. I find this to be humbling when I start whining.

[DeFault User]

Hail and Farewell, Mr. Johnson. Such brave men are passing every day.

If you have not done so, be sure to watch the program the History Channel runs on the Tuskegee Airmen from time to time.

[dakine]

The 332nd is the squadron out AlJaber AB KU, they christened it back in fall of '99...

[cyborg]

We'd better hold onto the memories of all the WW2 greats. They seem to be dying out faster every day.

[dakine]

Daily they are dying, back in my younger years (only 20+ years ago) I visited Vet Homes and talked to World War I vets, it was cool...

[cyborg]

I find their stories fascinating. I could listen to their yarns for hours because you always learn something. That's great you visited them because they're sometimes forgotten by their own family.

[Agnes Heep]

Yes I agree. They loved America at a time when America didn't exactly love them back. I find this to be humbling when I start whining.

And unlike today's race pimps, they actually had something to complain about, yet served their country well.

America is truly a great country. We're not perfect, but when we see injustice, we try to correct it. Can the same be said for any other nation?

[cyborg]

I agree with you. Jesse Jackson isn't fit to spit shine their boots.

[Graybeard58]

they flew more than 15,000 sorties

destroyed over 1,000 German aircraft

received hundreds of Air Medals

more then 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses

[dakine]

Yeah, there was this one old guy in his 80's, he use to like to talk to all the ladies when I wheeled around at public outings, I always got a kick out hearing his same stories about France, wine, and women...I'm chuckling thinking about them now..

[Big Giant Head]

ditto. My dad is WWII vet. He's getting old.

Prayers to the family of a great American Vet.

[DeFault User]

About 2 years ago, I ran into a member of the Black Sheep Squadron at a supermarket. Talking with him I learned that he had also helped to setup the Top Gun School.

I had some of our troop of Boy Scouts with me and pressed him to talk to them about some of his adventures. Thanks to TV reruns many of our scouts were familiar with the Black Sheep and they certainly knew about Top Gun. I think it was a real charge for the boys as well as for the old warrior.

Unfortunately, the Tuskegee Airmen and the Black Sheep are passing into history and we may be the last who will be able to know them personally.

[Arpege92]

The movie they made about black pilots in World War II was excellent! I couldn't even imagine treating people like they were treated back then and in the face of such hate, they fought and died for all Americans.

Somehow expressing a thank you to these hero's doesn't seem to be enough.

[billbears]

The training being in Alabama, it was a wonder that the local people treated the Airman with more respect than the Army did at the time.

I don't find that a wonder at all. As far back as the 1840s, race relations down here were described as being better than in the north

The Tuskegee Airmen never lost a bomber aircraft to enemy fighters, though it did lose 66 of its pilots

Now that on the other hand is more than amazing

[dakine]

Cool story, good treat for your Boy Scouts...

[txzman]

The Tuskegee Airmen never lost a bomber aircraft to enemy fighters, though it did lose 66 of its pilots.

Amazing record for such a small group of men.