USO Canteen Freeper Style Salutes Tuskegee Airmen .... October 22,2002

FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style and Snow Bunny

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Kitty Hawk pronounced ready to deploy

Posted on 10/22/2002 4:53 PM Pacific by GATOR NAVY

Thanks CHIEF!
SALUTE

[tmprincesa]

Due to the rigid pattern of racial segregation that prevailed in the United States during World War II, over 966 Black military aviators were trained at an isolated training complex near the town of Tuskegee, Alabama and at Tuskegee Institute now known as Tuskegee University. Four Hundred and fifty black fighter pilots under the command of Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., (who was to later become the U. S. Air Force's first Black General) fought in the aerial war over North Africa, Sicily and Europe flying in secession, P-40, P-39, P-47, and P-51 type aircraft. These gallant men flew 15,553 sorties and completed 1578 missions with the 12th Tactical U. S. Army Air Force and the 15th Strategic U. S. Army Air Force They were called the "Schwartze Volgelmenschen" (Black Birdmen) by the Germans who both feared and respected them. White American bomber crews reverently referred to them as "The Redtail Angels" because of the identifying red paint on their tail assemblies and because of their reputation for not losing bombers to enemy fighters as they provided fighter escort to bombing missions over strategic targets in Europe.

The 99th Fighter Squadron which had already distinguished itself over North Africa, Sicily, an Anzio was joined with three more black squadrons; the 100th, the 301st, and the 302nd to be designated as the 332nd Fighter Group. Flying from Italian bases they also destroyed enemy rail traffic, coast watching surveillance stations and hundreds of vehicles on air to ground strafing missions. Sixty-six of these pilots were killed in aircraft accidents or in aerial combat while another thirty-two were shot down and captured as prisoners of war.

These Black Airmen came home with 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Legions of Merit, 744 Air Medals, 8 Purple Hearts, 2 Soldiers Medals, 14 Bronze Stars and the Red Star Yugoslavia. They destroyed or damaged over 409 German aircraft, (111 in the air) over 950 units of ground transportation, and Gwynn Pierson leading a flight of four, sank a destroyer with machine gun fire, which was a distinctive achievement. Not one friendly bomber was lost to enemy aircraft attack during the 200 escort missions. This success was unique because no other fighter unit with nearly as many missions could make the same claim

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Be sure to check out Abner's Balloon. She and her husband are FReepers and have a BEAUTIFUL, ASTOUNDING, MAGNIFICENT American Flag balloon."

FReeper abner and her husband are on a mission, traveling in this balloon."We are on a mission to increase interest and understanding of the principles and beliefsthat created our country and allowed it to endure, grow and prosper becoming a bastion of freedom and equality for over 200 years."CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

OOPS!!!
This is the right link.
Kitty Hawk pronounced ready to deploy

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Stay well, Teacup. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Regarding your flight - everything will fine. I'll remember you in my prayers tonight.

[tmprincesa]

Thank you for the good thread today. I may not be able to read everything, but I do read the opening post every day. Back to my studies.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (ACCNS) -- Staff Sgt. Robert Tomlin, a dog handler with the 30th Security Forces Squadron, poses with Dar-Garo on an aircraft ramp at a deployed location in Southwest Asia. Tomlin and other members of the squadron, based at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., are assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron as part of Joint Task Force Southwest Asia. Dar-Garo is a 3-year-old Belgian shepherd trained to help protect deployed people. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dawn L. Collazo)

[Kathy in Alaska]

THANKS FOR A LINK THAT YOU CAN SEE TO FOLLOW. I made one, but saying "Click Here" would have helped. LOL! That is so cool to have the picture with it too. I would love to see their balloon up close and personal.

[Kathy in Alaska]

That's my kid!! Wonderful rant, kiddo. You get an "atta girl"!

[SAMWolf]

Now that's some great "babbling", MoJo.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hi zip. Hope you had a good day today. I knew OF the Tuskegee Airmen, but not ABOUT them. Today's thread was sure a learning experience. Thanks to everyone who brought information.

[SevenofNine]

Good evening Canteen members

Here some late night headlines a report off Hareetz wire is reporting that Israel said that they be ready when US going after Saddam be ready to protect of all cost State of Israel according to IDF spokerperson

Saddam is toasted LOL!

[GatorGirl]

Okay, I've actually gotten caught up in the sewing and plan to finish it all tonight. So goodnight! Have fun! GG

[SAMWolf]

Good night, GG.

[Dakmar]

BWAAAHAAHAA, I need a giant flying elephant, too. Here's some more

Tuskegee Airmen pics, enjoy.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good night and sleep well, GG. God bless you and your family good. Loe and ((HUGS))

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hey, History Major, thanks for adding more history for us today about the Tuskegee Airmen.

[Soaring Feather]

For the Troops and Canteen Crew

Keep Your Motivation

It's the steady, constant driving
To the goal for which you're striving,
Not the speed with which you travel,
That will make your victory sure.

It's the everlasting gaining,
Without whimper or complaning
At the burdens you are bearing,
Or the woes you must endure.

It's the holding to a purpose
And never giving in;
It's the cutting down the distance
By the little that you win;

It's the iron will to do it
And the steady sticking to it;
So whatever your task, go for it !
Keep your motivation and plug along !

Author unknown

[SAMWolf]

Thank you for this Bentfeather. It's a big help to me right now.

[Soaring Feather]

You're welcome SAM