Ohio War Stories: Share Your Memories

An event listing, presented by the Columbus Metropolitan Club:

 Wednesday,

 March 5

A Tribute to Hometown Heroes:
The Tuskegee Airmen

Discussion Moderated By:
Colonel James Pfaff, Vice Wing Commander, 121st Air Refueling Wing, Ohio Air National Guard

Our Special Guest Panelists:
Original Tuskegee Airmen Robert L.Peeples, Herndon “Don” Cummings and Alex A. Boudreaux

At the Athletic Club of Columbus

136 East Broad Street

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who enlisted to become America’s first black military airmen, at a time when there were many people who thought that black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism. They came from every section of the country, and each possessed a strong personal desire to serve the United States of America at the best of his ability. They performed admirably during WWII and were widely lauded.

After the war in Europe ended in 1945, black airmen returned to the United States and faced continued racism and bigotry despite their outstanding war record. Large numbers of black airmen elected to remain in the service but because of segregation their assignments were limited to the 332nd Fighter Group or the 477th Composite Group, and later to the 332nd Fighter Wing at Lockbourne Air Base, Ohio. Opportunities for advancement and promotion were very limited and this affected morale. Nevertheless, black airmen continued to perform superbly.

It’s our privilege to salute them at CMC.

Read more about the event, and find out how to register with the CMC here