A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO COMMEND THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR ACTIVATION; honor their extraordinary legacy of service, valor, and perseverance; AND recognize THE COURAGE, SACRIFICE, AND ENDURING LEGACY OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S OWN TUSKEGEE AIRMEN.

 

Whereas, on this day in 1942, the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African Americans to serve as military pilots in the United States Armed Forces, were activated at Tuskegee Institute, marking a pivotal moment in American and military history; and

 

Whereas, when congress required the Army Air Forces to train African American pilots, a program was established under the cloud of segregation and prejudice, with many in positions of power expecting the men to fail; and

 

Whereas, contrary to those expectations, the Tuskegee Airmen excelled, earning distinction as one of the most respected and highly decorated fighter groups of World War II, flying combat missions with extraordinary skill, discipline, and courage; and

 

Whereas, their success not only helped secure Allied victory abroad but also challenged the deeply entrenched policies of segregation that treated Black servicemen and women as second-class citizens, helping to pave the way for the eventual integration of the United States Armed Forces; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina proudly claims several distinguished Tuskegee Airmen whose service and sacrifice reflect the very best of our State and nation including, but not limited to: Edward Matthew "Gibby" Gibson Sr., a native of Charleston who served as a bombardier-navigator; Leroy Bowman, a Sumter native who became a fighter pilot in 1943 and flew P-40, P-47, and P-51 aircraft in the famed 332nd Fighter Group; Ernest Henderson Sr., a Laurens County native who served as a flight instructor at Tuskegee Institute and became the first Black South Carolinian to earn multiple pilot ratings; Paul Adams, a Greenville native and 1943 graduate who served as an intelligence officer in Italy; Robert Friend, born in South Carolina, who flew 142 combat missions during World War II; and Willie Ashley, a South Carolinian recognized for his honorable service as part of this historic unit; and

 

Whereas, many Tuskegee Airmen also trained and refined their combat skills at the Walterboro Army Airfield in Colleton County, where advanced instruction in aerial combat tactics, gunnery, and formation flying prepared them for deployment overseas. The Walterboro Army Airfield now stands as a historic site and memorial honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and commemorating South Carolina's vital role in supporting their mission and legacy; and

 

Whereas, the courage, excellence, and patriotism of the Tuskegee Airmen remain a powerful reminder that talent, discipline, and leadership know no color, and that the arc of American progress has often been bent by those willing to serve a country that had not yet fully served them; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate express their deep gratitude to the families of the Tuskegee Airmen and to all African American servicemen and women whose sacrifice and excellence strengthened both our nation's military and our democracy.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, commend the Tuskegee Airmen on the anniversary of their activation; honor their extraordinary legacy of service, valor, and perseverance; and recognize the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of South Carolina's own Tuskegee Airmen.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to be presented to appropriate historical and veterans organizations in recognition of this anniversary.

----XX----