Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force, the world's foremost Air and Space Supremacy Force.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 417) honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force, the world's foremost Air and Space Supremacy Force.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 417.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter), the author of this resolution.

(Mr. PORTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to request consideration of H. Con. Res. 417 because this resolution honors a remarkable group of African Americans who played a pivotal role in the military history of our country. They are not the only segregated unit to do so, of course. The 54th Massachusetts during the Civil War, the 9th and 10th Buffalo Calvary, which were honored with the name Buffalo Soldiers by their native American adversaries in the latter part of the 19th century, a group which constructed Fort Sill in my own district and won lasting fame there. And of course more recently, the 761st Tank Battalion whose exploits have been chronicled in a fine volume by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

But today, we are here to honor the Tuskegee Airmen who with their professionalism, their skill, and courage not only made an important contribution to fighting tyranny during the Second World War but also helped to forge the United States Air Force into the world's dominant air and space team.

On July 19, 1941, the Army Air Force began a program in Alabama at the Tuskegee Institute to train African Americans as military pilots. The primary flight training was conducted by the Division of Aeronautics at the institute founded by Booker T. Washington, and the transition to combat aircraft was conducted at nearby Tuskegee Army Airfield.

The first group of pilots completed training 9 months later in March 1942. Among that vanguard group was then-Captain Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., a future living legend in the Air Force who went on to become one of its greatest leaders. In the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1999, the Congress authorized the President to advance Lieutenant General Davis to the grade of General on the retired list of the United States Air Force.

That initial group of Tuskegee pilots was assigned to the famous 99th Fighter Squadron, which was eventually deployed on May 31, 1943, to fly P-40 Warhawks in combat missions in North Africa, Sicily, and throughout Italy. Later Tuskegee graduates were assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group and began overseas combat operations in Italy flying the P-40 and P-39 Airacobra.

Before the war ended, the Tuskegee program had graduated 992 pilots and 450 Tuskegee Airmen had flown over 15,000 combat sorties overseas. Approximately 150 men had been killed over the course of the program, with 66 killed in action. The combat record of these segregated units was superb. They destroyed or damaged 136 enemy aircraft in air-to-air combat and another 273 on the ground. They were highly decorated with over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses being awarded to African American pilots.

The most impressive achievement of the 332nd Fighter Group was flying over 200 bomber escort missions over Central and Southern Europe without losing a single bomber to enemy aircraft. This unprecedented record was not lost on enemy fighter pilots who often elected to avoid attacking bomber formations when they realized that the fighter escort was the Red Tail fighters of the 332nd.

The challenges confronted by the Tuskegee Airmen were not limited to the wartime skies over Europe. Each of these men proudly met all challenges with skill and determination when racism and bigotry had caused lesser men to harass them and to seek their failure. There are a number of ways for men to display courage in their lives, but seldom are men confronted with as many tests of courage as were the Tuskegee Airmen; and very few men can claim as successful and enduring a legacy as they.

These combat pioneers distinguished themselves throughout their service in war and peace and over time redefined America's understanding of African Americans as warriors and leaders and set the stage for the racially integrated Air Force that achieved so much in the years to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for introducing this resolution. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to address the House on this issue and recognize the contributions of Tuskegee Airmen to America.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer a personal observation that was actually provoked by the gentleman from Missouri.

My father was a member of the United States Army Air Force. He joined in 1940. He grew up in a time and in a place where segregation was a very common thing, and not only common in the culture, but legal, recognized by law, enforced by law, and he thought joining the United States Army Air Corps was a way out and a way up for him, and it certainly was, given his background and given his station in life.

But it did more than that. Over the course of his lifetime, it transformed his views, it widened his horizons. He often talked about the United States Air Force or the Army Air Corps and later the Air Force to me as I grew up. I actually grew up when he was still a member of that. And he reflected on the tremendous lesson it had taught him about humanity, about the wonderful diversity of America and about the equality of all men in combat and all men under the law.

He often cited, frankly, the Tuskegee Airmen as people who had begun the transformation of the South, had begun the transformation of race in this country and had contributed mightily.

So it is a particular honor again to recognize these people, who were not only so brave in defending their country and so skilled in combat that they were recognized by their enemy but who taught us Americans a far greater lesson than we could expect any group of men to do, who reminded us again of the unfulfilled ideals of our country and moved us toward the ultimate realization of those ideals.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 417 honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their amazing contributions during World War II and the impact they had in creating an integrated United States Air Force.

As the first African-American combat unit in the Army Air Corps, the Tuskegee Airmen helped shatter stereotypes by fighting for freedom both abroad and here at home. Through their heroism in the skies above North Africa and Europe, the Airmen demonstrated that African-Americans could be effective members of the military. Completing over 500 missions during the war, the Tuskegee Airmen destroyed over 250 enemy aircraft without losing a single American bomber. Their individual and collective acts of courage helped pave the way for the desegregation of the Army in 1948.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize four members of the Tuskegee Airmen with ties to my hometown of Baltimore,

Maryland. Alfred L. Woolridge, Gordon T. Boyd, Leroy A. Battle, and Alfred McKenzie were four individuals with separate lives and histories. Each brought unique skills to their service and each helped to form this historic group of Tuskegee Airmen. I would like to take this opportunity to speak briefly about each of these incredible men and share a bit about them with you.

Mr. Alfred L. Woolridge, a Baltimore resident, joined the Tuskegee Airmen after enlisting in the Army in 1942 and being assigned to the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. A scientist with a master's degree in chemistry and mathematics, Mr. Woolridge worked as an aircraft engineering officer ensuring that the planes were safe to fly every morning. After leaving the Army in 1946, Mr. Woolridge worked as an analytical chemist in Maryland until 1974. He remained an active member of his Baltimore community until his death in March of 1998.

After being inducted into the Army Air Corps during World War II, Mr. Gordon T. Boyd Jr. became a bombardier and a navigator. He joined the Tuskegee Airmen after being assigned to the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Mr. Boyd ascended to the rank of First Lieutenant and is credited with helping newer cadets adjust to military life. After being honorably discharged in 1946, Mr. Boyd worked as a management specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau until his retirement in 1979. Before his death on May 5, 1995, Mr. Boyd became a charter member of the East Coast Chapter D.C. Tuskegee Airmen Inc.

Mr. Leroy A. Battle was a jazz musician who played with Billie Holliday before he was drafted into the Army in 1943. He volunteered to join the Tuskegee Airmen and soon became a bombardier and a navigator. On April 5, 1945, Mr. Battle along with 100 other airmen, defied orders by attempting to desegregate the officer's club at Freeman Field in Seymour, Indiana. The Freeman Field Incident played an important role in African-American attempts to combat racism in the Armed Forces and eventually paved the way for President Truman's order to desegregate the Army in 1948. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Mr. Battle spent 29 years teaching before retiring in 1978. He continues to be an active member of his community by speaking out about his experiences as a Tuskegee Airman.

Mr. Alfred McKenzie joined the Tuskegee Airmen after being drafted into the Army in 1942. After completing advanced training, Mr. McKenzie became a B-25 pilot. He was sent to Freeman Field in Indiana where he later joined Mr. Battle and 100 other airmen in attempting to desegregate the officer's club. After World War II ended, Mr. McKenzie continued to fight for the cause of civil rights. After being passed over for a promotion numerous times at the Government Printing Office, McKenzie filed a class action lawsuit. The suit resulted in an order to end discrimination in promotions and a $2.4 million award in back pay to over 300 people. He continued to work for various civil rights causes until his death on March 30, 1998.

These four men exemplified the bravery of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. They served their country both on the battlefield and off and were valued members of their Maryland communities. Mr. Speaker I am honored to speak today on behalf of H. Con. Res. 417 honoring all of the Tuskegee Airmen including these four gentlemen. At a time in our history when we mark the unbelievable accomplishments of the Greatest Generation, dedicate the new World War II Memorial, and commemorate the 60th Anniversary of D-Day--I think it is only fitting that we recognize these men and their fellow airmen of Tuskegee.

Mr. Speaker, the storied history of our Nation's Armed Forces was written by the great men and women who served our country with honor and bravery. This past weekend, we celebrated the commemoration of a monument to World War II honoring all military veterans of the war, citizens on the home front, the Nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated our Nation's call to arms. In my home State of Nevada, I had the honor of spending Memorial Day at several events honoring veterans, many of whom served during World War II.

Among the most courageous of all those who served our country was a group of men who defied both fascism abroad and racism at home while establishing a record as one of the most successful fighting units in American history.

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of dedicated and determined young men who enlisted to become America's first African American airmen. These airmen were trained at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama, beginning in 1941. Over the course of their service during World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen distinguished themselves over the skies of Europe.

Airmen trained at Tuskegee received two Presidential Unit citations for outstanding tactical air support and aerial combat, and they established the incredible and unprecedented record of flying more than 200 bomber escort missions without the loss of a single bomber to enemy aircraft. The outstanding record of these men was accomplished while fighting two wars, one against military forces overseas and the other against racism both at home and abroad.

Over the course of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen returned home with some of our Nation's highest military honors, including 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, eight Purple Hearts, and 14 Bronze Stars. In addition, these brave pilots destroyed more than 1,000 German aircraft.

Many Americans became aware of the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen from the 1995 feature film starring Lawrence Fishburn called ``The Tuskegee Airmen.'' My first personal experience with these fine men came through a former member of my staff, Traci Scott, now serving with the Pentagon in Baghdad, whose father served with the Airmen, Captain Jesse H. Scott. After hearing his story, I wanted to do something special to honor this brave and honored group of soldiers.

Captain Scott was an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen. In fact, he was so eager to join that he lied about his age to get accepted. As he progressed through flight training, Captain Scott learned he was color blind and went on to serve on the ground crew of General Ben Davis. Captain Scott passed away in the year 2000, and he is honored being buried in Arlington Cemetery.

I am proud to offer a resolution in honor of Captain Scott and honoring

the Tuskegee Airmen for their contributions to our Nation and the example they continue to offer us today.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Mr. George Sherman, another former Tuskegee Airman, who now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. I was privileged to spend the morning with Mr. Sherman and his son as he shared with me firsthand accounts of what it was like to be a Tuskegee Airman. Mr. Sherman's memories and photos provided a small glimpse into the life of these men and how their life was led. Mr. Sherman and his son now travel to various schools sharing the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and are also actively involved in the Young Eagles program encouraging students to become more involved in aviation.

As a Tuskegee Airman, George Sherman gained a lifelong love of aviation, and today he continues to share that love as he passes his knowledge and experience to new generations.

I urge Members to join in recognizing the accomplishments of this unique group of American heroes as our Nation engages in combating terrorism around the world. We rely upon the global reach and the presence provided by our Air Force. Mr. Speaker, the example set by the Tuskegee Airmen encouraged millions of Americans of every race to pursue careers in space and air technology. The Tuskegee Airmen proved that skill and determination, not skin color, are the determining factors in aviation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 417, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force, the world's foremost Air and Space Supremacy Force introduced by my fellow Armed Services Committee colleague, Representative Jon Porter (NV-R).

All things relating to aviation have a special meaning in Dayton, the birthplace of powered manned flight. From the Wright Brothers designing the first machines that lifted man from the security of Earth and into the era of powered flight, through the modern day when Wright Patterson is regarded as one of the Air Force's finest bases, aviation has long played a central role in Dayton. The Tuskegee Airmen also have a special place in the hearts and minds of Daytonians for their exceptional contributions making the U.S. Air Force the world's foremost Air and Space Supremacy Force.

Last July, Dayton combined a 17-day festival called Inventing Flight with its 22nd annual Black Cultural Festival by including a Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen. Because of Dayton's ties to aviation and the Tuskegee Airmen this was a natural combination.

Dayton has links to the origins of the Tuskegee Airmen. Chauncey Spencer and Dale White set out to promote black aviation. In 1939 they rented an old airplane and set out on a 10 city goodwill tour that was supposed to end in Washington where they hoped to meet with Congressional leaders. Three hours into their first day a broken crankshaft forced them to land in a farmer's field. Two and a half days later the flight was resumed; however, shortly they were grounded again. Hearing of their misfortunes the publisher of an African- American newspaper in Pittsburgh gave them $500 and letters of introduction to Congressional. representatives.

Spencer and White met Senator Harry S Truman, who upon seeing the plane they flew

said, ``If you guys had the guts to fly this thing to Washington, I've got guts enough to see you get what you are asking.'' He promised to help open the doors for African-Americans to serve in the Air Corps. Shortly afterwards, the Tuskegee Experiment was established. By the end of WWII, nearly 1,000 African-Americans had completed their flight training at Tuskegee Army Air Field and nearly 450 went overseas as combat pilots.

The Tuskegee Airmen were nicknamed the ``Red Tail Angels'' because of the red tail markings on their aircraft. They had an enviable service record of over 15,500 missions, destroyed over 260 enemy aircraft; sunk one enemy destroyer and damaged numerous enemy installations. The Tuskegee Airmen served with distinction and earned over 850 medals.

Chauncey Spencer and Dale White became Dayton residents and both served at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. There is still a local chapter of an organization named for the Tuskegee Airmen at Wright Patterson: The Mac Ross Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. The chapter is named after Mac Ross, a Dayton native, and one of the first five African-American airmen to become Air Corps pilots in 1942.

The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. Their achievements, together with the men and women who supported them, paved the way for full integration of the U.S. military.

Today's all-volunteer Armed Forces identify with the sense of pride and commitment exhibited by the Tuskegee Airmen some 60 years ago.

As an American, and a proud Daytonian, I am pleased to offer my support of H. Con. Res. 417, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force, the world's foremost Air and Space Supremacy Force.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 417, introduced by the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter). This resolution recognizes and honors the Tuskegee Airmen for their contribution in World War II that led to the creation of an integrated United States Air Force.

The Tuskegee Airmen not only faced the dangers of war but they did so in the face of prejudice and discrimination back home. Prior to 1940, African Americans were denied the opportunity to fly military aircraft. However, after pressure from civil rights organizations and others, the Army Air Force began a program to train African Americans as military pilots. The so-called ``Tuskegee Experiment'' began on July 19, 1941, at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The institute, founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881, provided the primary flight training for the first fighter pilots and became the center of African American aviation during World War II.

The Tuskegee Airmen included not only fighter pilots but also navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support personnel that provided support for the famed 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group.

I think of one of my constituents, Mr. Milton Crenshaw from Arkansas, who was one of the pilot instructors. In 1939, he took a bus from Little Rock to Tuskegee, a young, African American man seeking a career in car engineering at the Tuskegee Institute only to be drawn into the excitement of flight. He became one of the few African American pilot instructors in America and taught numerous Tuskegee Airmen of the 99th Fighter Wing how to fly. The 99th Fighter Squadron, led by the late General Ben Davis, was originally sent to North Africa but moved to the European continent and flew over Anzio in 1944. The 99th held the record of 200 combat missions without losing a single bomber to enemy fire.

The men and women who were part of the Tuskegee experience proved that service, duty, and country were not limited by the color of a person's skin, but that all Americans regardless of race could succeed through hard work, dedication, and commitment. While their training occurred under a segregated condition, their focus was on the goal of all pilots regardless of race: avoidance of abrupt and surprising contact with Mother Earth.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), formerly from Arkansas.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to support this resolution that recognizes not only the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen to World War II but also how they helped transform America.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.