Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their bravery in fighting for our freedom in World War II, and for their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) for yielding me time, and I thank the sponsoring Member, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers) for his kindness.

Mr. Speaker, I was introduced to the Tuskegee Airmen through my father in law, Phillip F. Lee, who spent many hours and many moments with the family telling us about not only the history, but the compassion and the character of these brave men.

Might I say that although we applaud the United States military for being one of the first institutions in the United States to integrate its services and its forces, let me try to paint for you very briefly the kind of atmosphere that these young black men entered into.

It was an enormously segregated America, an America that had recently come through a challenging depression, and an armed services that did not confront them or view them as equal, yet with dignity in uniform they stood strong. They loved their country, and they trained young airmen who later became generals of our Armed Forces.

They were known in World War II to be the battalion that never turned back. They joined their colleagues, irrespective of their color. They went after those who needed to be saved and they did it with valor. Even though they came back to the Nation as second-class citizens, they always lived their lives as Tuskegee Airmen.

I salute the city of Tuskegee and I salute Alabama for hosting these young families. My mother-in-law lived, of course, as a young bride in Tuskegee, Alabama. It was that charitable atmosphere, of course, for those young men that allowed them to be able to train and to be excellent.

So today I rise with my colleagues to support and applaud this resolution and to be able to say that we together now in a bipartisan manner and, of course, with all of our diversity and our appreciation for what America really stands for, we stand here today on February 9, 2005, united as an America that loves its United States military, but we will never forget the brave men who, against all odds, stood as regal Tuskegee Airmen, making a difference in this valiant effort.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers) for allowing us the opportunity to debate this, but more importantly, for cementing the history at this very important time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution currently on the floor under suspension of the rules, H. Con. Res. 26. This bill was introduced by our colleague from Alabama, Mr. Rogers, and the Committee on Armed Services and honors the heroic and renowned Tuskegee Airmen for their sacrifices in World War II as well as for their contribution to the Civil Rights movement.

I joined our colleague from Nevada, Mr. Porter, to speak about his resolution, H. Con. Res. 417, that honored the Tuskegee Airmen and their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force. At the time we supported that resolution, this Nation dealt with a very serious human rights crisis that was partially perpetrated by our own military personnel in the Iraq region. However, the Tuskegee Airmen represented a positive example of a respect for human rights as well as civil rights at the highest level.

Five members of the Tuskegee Airmen group visited middle and high school students at the M. O. Campbell Educational Center in Houston's Aldine Independent School District in conjunction with the ``Wings Over Houston Air Show.'' That event left an indelible mark on the youths of Houston who look up to our men and women in uniform.

Lt. Col. Lee Archer, Lt. Col. Charles McGee, Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr., Lt. Col. Herbert ``Gene'' Carter and George Watson, Sr. visited with Leadership Officer Training Corps (LOTC) and Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) students to talk about their roles as pilots and ground support personnel during World War II and how their presence in the armed forces helped to break down racial barriers for those who came after them. One of the things that stood out was a question that Lt. Col. Charles McGee posed before leaving the students: ``Think about this, you are going to be responsible for what happens in this country for the next 15 or so years . . . What will you contribute to it?''

I highlighted this question because it is very applicable to the current situation that we face in Abu Ghraib. We must be accountable for the way we treat our brothers as well as our foreign neighbors. The human rights element of the civil rights struggle for African Americans can be used to guide our actions today in Iraq and every day. Because of the fortitude and commitment shown by the Tuskegee Airmen, our Armed Forces have the talent and skill that allows us to sleep at night knowing that we are in the most capable hands.

A program began on July 19, 1941, in Alabama to train black Americans as military pilots. Flight training was conducted by the Division of Aeronautics of Tuskegee Institute, the famed school of learning founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881. Once a cadet completed primary training at Tuskegee's Moton Field, he was sent to nearby Tuskegee Army Air Field for completion of flight training and for transition to combat type aircraft. The first classes of Tuskegee airmen were trained to be fighter pilots for the famous 99th Fighter Squadron, slated for combat duty in North Africa. Additional pilots were assigned to the 332d Fighter Group which flew combat along with the 99th Squadron from bases in Italy.

In September 1943, a twin-engine training program was begun at Tuskegee to provide bomber pilots. However, World War II ended before these men were able to get into combat. By the end of the war, 992 men had graduated from pilot training at Tuskegee. 450 of these men were sent overseas for combat assignment. Approximately 150 lost their lives while in training or on combat flights. More men were trained at Tuskegee for aircrew and ground crew duties--flight engineers, gunners, mechanics, and armorers.

Mr. Speaker, as we move forward in the international fight against terrorism, the spirit and tenacity of the Tuskegee Airmen must inspire us to fight terror together as a team. The team must be comprised of all of our international neighbors. I support this resolution and am honored to share these words.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 26, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their amazing contributions during World War II, and their impact in creating an integrated United States Air Force. I am honored for this opportunity to speak during Black History Month on this important resolution.

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. 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 the Second Maryland Congressional District. 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 form this historic group of this Tuskegee Airmen. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank them for their contribution and service.

These gentlemen exemplified the bravery of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. They served their country, both on the battlefield and off, and were valuable members of their Maryland communities.

Madam Speaker, at a time of war with a new generation of service men and women serving bravely to bring liberty to the oppressed, I think it is only fitting that we remember these members of the greatest generation, the Tuskegee Airmen.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 417 honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their amazing contributions during World War II and their impact creating an integrated United States Air Force. I am honored for this opportunity to speak during Black History Month on this important resolution.

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 this 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 law suit. The suit resulted in an order to end discrimination in promotions and a $2.4 million award back pay to over 300 people. He continued to work for various civil rights causes until his death on March 30, 1998.

These gentlemen 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, at a time of war, with a new generation of servicemen and women serving bravely to bring liberty to the oppressed, I think it is only fitting that we remember these members of the Greatest Generation--the Tuskegee Airmen.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 26, introduced by the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers). This resolution recognizes the Tuskegee Airmen for their brave and honorable service during World War II.

The story of the Tuskegee Airmen is a phenomenal story, and it highlights the Tuskegee Airmen as shining examples of the perseverance and strength of the U.S. Air Corps as they faced the challenges of 21st century. It is fitting that we recognize such an outstanding group of individuals who were pioneers in integrating the Army Air Corps and, eventually, the Air Force as we celebrate Black History Month.

The Tuskegee Airmen overcame prejudice and discrimination to become some of the most highly respected airmen of World War II. Until 1941, African Americans were denied the opportunity to become leaders in the military and they were prohibited from flying because it was believed that African Americans lacked the qualifications for such noble combat duty.

African Americans have played a significant role in the history of our military over the past 300 years, and it was absurd to suggest that the ability was lacking. African Americans soldiers have fought in every war and have contributed so much of themselves to ensure this country's reputation as a superpower. The refusal to allow for black pilots was simply rank racism.

It was the unshakeable belief by so many that this obvious bigotry was wrong that finally gave way to the historical beginning of the integrated United States Air Force. Distinguished men such as Booker T. Washington and General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., came to Macon County, Alabama, and reality created the legend that we know today.

Booker T. Washington founded the Tuskegee Institute, which established a well-respected aeronautical engineering program; and thousands of students, including student officer Captain Benjamin Davis, who was in the first pilot class, went through the institute's flight program and became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Tuskegee Airmen included not only over 1,000 fighter pilots, but they also included navigators, bombardiers and maintenance and support personnel that ultimately comprised the famed 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group.

During World War II, the 99th Fighter Squadron, led by the late General Benjamin Davis, was originally sent to North Africa, but moved to the European continent and flew over Italy in 1944. The 99th held the record of 200 combat missions without losing a single bomber to enemy fire, a record for a squadron.

It is therefore only fitting, Madam Speaker, that the Congress takes the time today to appropriately recognize the men who participated in the Tuskegee Experiment. No standards were lowered for the pilots or any of the others who trained in operations, in meteorology, in intelligence, in engineering, medicine or any of the other officer fields.

The Tuskegee Airmen proved without a doubt that loyalty, bravery and sacrifice were not based on the ethnicity of an individual, but on their individual motivation, determination and devotion to duty. The men who participated in this great experiment were dedicated young men, possessing the strong personal desire to serve the United States of America at their best. They enlisted at a time when this country was engaged in enormous conflict, but they took on the challenge and they took on the responsibility and served with distinction.

Today we honor their achievements and all of those who have taken the oath to defend this great country.

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

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

(Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns).

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

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).

(Mr. BISHOP of Georgia asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Davis).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the State of Georgia (Mr. Barrow).

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to first of all thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers) for bringing forward this resolution and for sharing his time during this debate and discussion today.

Mr. Speaker, of the Tuskegee Airmen deserve every accolade that this body can possibly extend. I want to say to the Tuskegee Airmen, if you are watching this by television, to the families of the Tuskegee Airmen, this country owes to each of you a great, great debt of gratitude.

May God continue to bless each one of you and may God bless your families.

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

announcement by the speaker pro tempore

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 26) honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their bravery in fighting for our freedom in World War II, and for their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force.

Madam 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. 26.

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

Madam Speaker, in March of 1942, five young men at a rural Army airbase in Tuskegee, Alabama, graduated from aviation cadet class in the Army Air Corps. These men, like other World War II fighter pilots, accepted extraordinary risks to carry out their missions. They were brave and patriotic. Hailing from towns and cities across America, these young soldiers came to Tuskegee, Alabama, with the dream of serving our Nation in the air. They would graduate with honors as captains and lieutenants.

From 1942 to 1946, 992 fighter pilots would graduate from this rural Army airbase in central Alabama. Their missions would be over enemy territory in Italy and North Africa, some of the

most challenging assignments of the war, and some of them would not return. Yet many did. Those who did survive those battles lived to claim unprecedented records of success and high honors for their bravery.

But we all know World War II was not their only battle. These proud soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, were the first African Americans ever to serve our Nation as Army fighter pilots. They were true leaders, men who battled our enemies oversees while fighting bigotry and racism at home.

Madam Speaker, as we debate today's resolution honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, we will hear of their struggles. We will hear their stories of being turned away at the officers' clubs because of their race, and we will hear of the prejudices they faced overseas.

Yet they did not give up. They persevered, and along with others from our greatest generation, joined with our allies across the globe and helped defeat the forces of tyranny.

The Tuskegee Airmen are symbols of America, Madam Speaker, strong through difficult times and courageous in the face of adversity.

In the month when our Nation celebrates the contributions of African Americans to our Nation's history, it is important we take this time to honor their bravery. Their courage and persistence are examples for all of us to follow. We have much to learn from their service and much to honor for their contributions to our civil rights legacy.

As our military continues to fight the war on terror overseas, we should pause to remember the battles fought long ago by these proud Americans. Not only is our world freer because of their courage, but our Nation is stronger because of their sacrifices.

I want to thank my colleagues for being here today to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, and I look forward to doing what I can to keep their legacy strong so future generations may also share in their accomplishments.

I would also like to add, Madam Speaker, that as part of my efforts to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, I have been leading an initiative to help build a National Park Service museum in Tuskegee, Alabama, to memorialize these brave Americans.

Obviously, on this important occasion I would welcome any and all support from Members that would join me in this initiative, and would answer any questions later.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the my friend, the distinguished gentleman from the First District of Alabama (Mr. Bonner).

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry), my friend and colleague.

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

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) for purposes of control.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the courageous men of the 332nd Fighting Group, the Tuskegee Airmen.

In 1940, Charles ``Chief'' Anderson led a cadre of instructors to train an extraordinary group of African American young men led by General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. After enduring months of training, these men defied their critics and earned their wings to become the 99th Pursuit Squadron and would later form the 332nd Fighter Group.

The 332nd was based out of North Africa and flew combat missions over Italy. Most notable, on the 4th of July 1943, the New York Times reported from North Africa that ``An American Negro fighting squadron escorting bombers yesterday over Sicily destroyed a Focke-Wulfe 190 to score the formation's first victory.'' In combat over Europe, the Tuskegee Airmen shot down or damaged more than 400 German aircraft, winning 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 744 Air Medals. The 332nd was the only escort group in the U.S. Army Air Force never to lose a bomber. Their record is as remarkable as it is renowned.

The men of the 332nd were both warriors and patriots who fought for equality and liberty at home and abroad.

I was blessed to know several of the early Tuskegee Airmen, including my neighbor growing up, Mr. William Gordon, Sr., a pilot, an educator, a mentor and a distinguished businessman.

It is altogether fitting that we remember them together during Black History Month and as our young men and women of the Air Force support the global war on terror through the Air Force's global reach and presence.

Today, I am proud that we salute the Tuskegee Airmen, American heroes, for their courageous and distinguished service to this great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the courageous men of the 332nd Fighter Group, the Tuskegee Airmen.

In 1940, Charles ``Chief'' Anderson, a self-taught pilot, went to the Tuskegee Institute to train black pilots. He was the lead instructor of an extraordinary group of African American young men led by General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. After enduring months of training, these men defied their critics and earned their wings to become the 99th Pursuit Squadron. The president of Tuskegee tried to persuade the U.S. War Department to use its airmen as combat pilots as World II loomed, but the Army resisted, alleging that African Americans lacked the intelligence and discipline to fly airplanes. A turning point came in 1931 when the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, visited Tuskegee and went on an aerial tour with Chief Anderson.

Months later, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, based out of North Africa, was flying combat missions over Italy. In their first escort mission, the 38 fighters of the 99th held off more than 100 German attackers. On the 4th of July 1943, the New York Times ran this article from the Allied Headquarters, in North Africa; an American Negro fighter squadron escorting bombers yesterday over Sicily destroyed a Focke- Wulfe 190 to score the formations first victory. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was on the airfield to congratulate First Lieutenant Charles Hall of the 99th Pursuit Squadron when he returned after shooting down the plane. In perhaps their most spectacular mission, then Colonel Davis led the Tuskegee Airmen on a 1,600-mile escort mission to Berlin. Until that day, the Allies had shot down only two of the new German jet fighters. But on that day alone, Colonel Davis and his Tuskegee Airmen downed three. In combat over Europe, the Tuskegee Airmen shot down or damaged more than 400 German aircraft, winning 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 744 Air Medals. The 332nd Fighter Group was the only escort group of the U.S. Army Air Forces never to lose a bomber. Their record is as remarkable as it is renowned.

The men of the 99th were both warriors and patriots who fought for equality and liberty at home and abroad. I was blessed to know several of the early Tuskegee Airmen, including my childhood neighbor, Mr. William Gordon, Sr., a pilot, an educator and a distinguished business man. It is fitting that we remember them today as our young men and women of the Air Force support the Global War on Terror throughout the Air Force's global reach and presence.

Today, I salute the Tuskegee Airmen, American heroes, for their courageous and distinguished service to this great nation.