The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American military pilots who served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. They were the first Black aviators in the U.S. military and played a significant role in breaking racial barriers in the armed forces.

The Tuskegee Airmen received their training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, which was the only Army airfield for African American pilot candidates during the war. Despite facing discrimination and segregation both during their training and while serving overseas, the Tuskegee Airmen distinguished themselves with their exceptional skill and bravery.

During the war, the Tuskegee Airmen flew over 15,000 individual missions in Europe and North Africa, providing protection for Allied bombers and conducting strafing runs on enemy targets. They earned a reputation for their skill and effectiveness in combat, earning the nickname "Red Tails" for the distinctive red markings on their aircraft.

The Tuskegee Airmen's success and contributions during World War II played a significant role in the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military and paved the way for future generations of Black pilots and military personnel. They remain an important symbol of courage, perseverance, and excellence in the face of adversity in Black history and the history of aviation.