History & Legacy
Tuskegee Airmen History
Due to the racial discrimination that prevailed in the United States during World War II, approximately 992 Black military pilots were trained at a segregated aviation complex near the town of Tuskegee, Alabama. Under the command of Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr., 450 Black fighter pilots fought in the aerial war over North Africa and Europe. These gallant men flew 15,553 sorties and completed 1,578 missions in P-39, P-40, P-47 and P-51 aircraft.
For every Black pilot, there were ten other civilian or military Black men and women on ground support duty. Many of these men and women remained in the military after World War II and spearheaded the integration of the U.S. Air Force in 1949. Three of these airmen were ultimately promoted to General: the late General Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr.; the late General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. and the late Major General Lucius Theus. The late Coleman Young became Mayor of Detroit, MI.
In 1972, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) was founded. Organized as a non-military and non-profit entity, TAI exists to preserve the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and inspire young Americans to pursue aviation-related careers.
With the enemy I only had to die once. In the Army Air Corps and in life, I had to live with the day to day suffering of degradation and racism.
General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
GCCTAI History
After World War II, many Documented Tuskegee Airmen (DOTA) settled in the Cincinnati area. Among those returning to Cincinnati were Charles O. Southern, Caesar S. Bassette, Sr., John Leahr, John Lindsay and John A. Riley.
In 1986, these men along with Armour G. McDaniel of Indianapolis, came together to establish the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (GCCTAI) with the express purpose of preserving and promoting the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by encouraging area youth to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.
Over time, more than 30 DOTA would join GCCTAI and participate in community programs in which they would share and discuss their eyewitness experiences of American history as Tuskegee Airmen. Eventually, GCCTAI would expand to include men and women—civilian and military—who share a sincere commitment in preserving the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Through the establishment of its Speaker's Bureau, GCCTAI members have traveled to various parts of Greater Cincinnati and beyond to promote the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
A Legacy of Triumph
Eleanor Roosevelt's Flight
Demonstrated African Americans' capability for military aviation.
View First Anderson LegacyDickson Graduates
2nd Lt. Lawrence E. Dickson joins the 100th Fighter Squadron.
View Lawrence E. Dickson LegacyFreeman Field Mutiny
A pivotal act of civil disobedience orchestrated by Leslie Edwards, Sr.
View Leslie Edwards, Sr. LegacyU.S. Air Force Integration
Many Tuskegee Airmen who remained in the military after WWII spearheaded the integration of the U.S. Air Force.
TAI Founded
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) was founded as a non-military and non-profit entity to preserve the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and inspire young Americans to pursue aviation-related careers.
Chapter Founding
GCCTAI is co-founded in Cincinnati by Charles O. Southern, Caesar S. Bassette, Sr., John Leahr, John Lindsay, John A. Riley, and Armour G. McDaniel of Indianapolis.
Capt. Dickson Found
Remains of Capt. Lawrence E. Dickson were accounted for in Austria.
View Lawrence E. Dickson LegacyNotable Airmen
Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr.
One of three Tuskegee Airmen ultimately promoted to General, serving with distinction in the U.S. Air Force.
Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
Commander of the Tuskegee Airmen who led 450 Black fighter pilots in the aerial war over North Africa and Europe.
Maj. Gen. Lucius Theus
One of three Tuskegee Airmen promoted to General, contributing to the integration of the U.S. Air Force.
Charles O. Southern
2nd Lieutenant and Communications Officer who trained the legendary 332nd Fighter Group. Applying his US Physics degree, he spent 26 years as an Engineer at GE. He initiated the education fund stipends that carry his name (GCCTAI).
Leslie Edwards, Sr.
Flight Chief and Ohio State Meat Supervisor. A direct witness to the Freeman Field mutiny, he relentlessly pursued education after the war, earning a commerce degree and improving state meatpacking standards.
Capt. Lawrence E. Dickson
Pilot of the P-51D "Peggy", MIA since 1944. DNA technology brought him home in 2018. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington in 2019, representing the ultimate sacrifice of the Airmen.