Tuskegee Airmen Signed Index Card Lot (34) WWII

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African-American military pilots (fighter and bomber) who fought in World War II. They formed the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces. The name also applies to the navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew chiefs, nurses, cooks and other support personnel.

Known as the “Red Tails” because of their unit markings, the Tuskegee Airmen program officially began at the Tuskegee Institute, a highly regarded university founded by Booker T. Washington in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Airmen, including ground support crews, were placed under the command of Capt. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. one of the few African American West Point graduates.

The Tuskegee Airmen saw their first combat mission in North Africa in 1943. They were initially equipped with P-40 Warhawks and P-39 Airacobras. Later they had P-47 Thunderbolts, and finally were given the airplane they would become most identified with, the P-51 Mustang. By the end of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen achieved an impressive combat record, shooting down well over 100 German aircraft and receiving three distinguished unit citations. The Airmen were also awarded several Silver Stars, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 8 Purple Hearts, 14 Bronze Stars and 744 Air Medals. Their valiant efforts lead the way to the desegregation of the armed forces in 1948. 

Presented is an autographed lot of (34) 3×5 index cards. Signers with salutations include:

(2) Wilson Eagleson, (2) Charles Land; (4) Charles McGee; (2) Vernon Hopson; (2) John Miles; (3) Howard Baugh; Wilfred Defour; (2) Gene Derricotte; (4) Harvey Alexander; Yenwith Whitney; Richard Rutledge; Washington D. Ross; Wendall Freeland; Oliver Goodall; Walter McCreary Herndon Cummings and (5) others.