WASHINGTON — The United States Senate has passed a resolution honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their bravery in fighting for freedom in World War II and for their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force, Alabama’s two senators, Sens. Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby, said today.
“I am proud to recognize the great accomplishments of the Tuskegee airmen, honor their service and thank them for their dedication to racial equality in the United States Armed Services” Sessions said.
Shelby said, “These men put their love of country above all else to fight for their nation, and this resolution is a small token of our appreciation for their heroic actions.”
Sessions and Shelby introduced the resolution in the Senate earlier this year, while Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) introduced it in the House of Representatives. The House passed its version last February and the Senate approved the House version Tuesday night.
The resolution, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, is the first official recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen by Congress.
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the all-African American flying squadron, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, and a base was opened at the Tuskegee Institute for their training. The Tuskegee Airmen, who flew raids and protected bombers on missions, never lost a bomber to enemy fighters in more than 200 combat missions during the war, a record unmatched by any other fighter group.
Their achievements also include 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, eight Purple Hearts and 14 Bronze Stars.
