Concerning the Tuskegee Airmen
I only know the history I’ve read and that which has been glamorized. I’m not well versed in the details. A lot in WWII has been sensationalized. But there were some sensational stories to tell. The Tuskegee Airmen undoubtedly overcame some cultural hurdles and, with a chip on their shoulder no doubt, set out to prove themselves against the odds. That they did admirably prove to be at least worthy if not exceptionional is a story of American pride, not just black pride.
A WWII bombedier used to tell us war stories as a kid. He was a neighbor. He had some cool artifacts too. But I’ll never forget his heroic confession. He tried to re-assure his shipmates they were never in real danger. But because their plane exploded upon take-off on its first mission with the next crew, Bob Pedigo’s heoric act never died.
According to Bob, on their last mission, his bomb rack hung up and would not drop all the bombs. Something jambed and a bomb dangled precariously from the rack along with a few others in the rack. They had to shut the doors to keep up with the formation. Bob rigged the rack in transite and they circled over water to drop the munitions before landing. They exploded of course. Bob’s secret was that he always installed extra long fuses that ensured the bombs would never arm until they were clear of the plane. He says they were never in any real danger except for having to hang out over the open doors to kick a bomb loose.
Takes a special kind of bravery to crew a bomber loaded with gas & high explosives, straight & level on a target so that every AAA gun in the area knows where you are, and where you are going. Must have been like “going over the top” in WW1. Even if you survive your mission, your chances of completing your tour were exceedingly small.