When were the Tuskegee Airmen formed?

The Tuskegee Airmen formed in 1941. The airmen were an all African-American air squadron based in Tuskegee, Alabama. The squadron's success and achievements in World War II led to the integration of African-Americans into the United States' military forces.

Because of pressure from civil rights leaders and the black press, the U.S. Military began training African-American men to become pilots. The military chose the Tuskegee Institute based on its commitment and facilities for aeronautical training. Based on its successes, the squadron proved that African-American pilots could handle the rigors of air combat.

The Tuskegee Airmen included not only the pilots, but also the maintenance workers, instructional staff, support staff and the bombardiers.