The Tuskegee Airmen

Like so many other people did, I watched the movie on HBO about the Tuskegee Airmen and I really enjoyed it. Because of the movie I went out and bought and read everything that I could about the Tuskegee Airmen. I have read at least a half dozen books on the subject so far and have far and away enjoyed this book more than any others. The authors have done a magnificent job of researching the subject. Their story flows seamlessly from their introduction through each obviously carefully written photograph and photographic caption. I loved it. I encourage every American to read this book, it's uplifting and educational at the same time. Well done to the authors for writing this book and well done to the men and women that made it happen.

I need to start out by saying that I am a young black man and as such, this book had a great deal of meaning for me. In an era and in a society in which so many young black men are portrayed in such a negative light, it is good to see a book filled from beginning to end with black men and women of great accomplishment. All young black men and women should be intimately aware of the Tuskegee Airmen and the tremendous accomplishments that they have made to American society. I have never met a Tuskegee Airman, but I would like to. This is a very good book and I encourage all of my brothers and sisters to read this book. Blacks in America need heroes. These men and women are my heroes. I salute them and the authors for writing such a golden book.

This book should be mandatory reading for all Americans concerned about contemporary race relations in the United States. Everyone could learn a lesson reading about the hurdles that the Tuskegee Airmen were forced to overcome in order to protect their own country. The authors have woven together a very moving story using fantastic photographs that help to make the reader feel as if actually living the experience. I highly recommend this book to all.

Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Reilly have put together an excellent, exciting, comprehensive, and extremely valuable contribution to the collection of the lore of the Tuskegee Airmen. Without any doubt, it is by far the most complete photographic study of these twentieth century American heroes. Why have I not described them as black heroes? Put the black adjective aside and consider them as American heroes, not just black or white. This is American history at its best. The book does an excellent job of describing what the authors have described as the Tuskegee Experience which was comprised not just of the pilots that flew to distinction in Europe during World War II. Mechanics, armorers, the band, women; fifteen people were required to keep one combat fighter pilot in the air. Who has ever heard of the 477th Bombardment Group? Well, they were a group of black bomber pilots that trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field among other bases. When white Army Air Forces commanders established a segregated officers' club at Freeman Field, Indiana, hundreds of black officers dared seek admittance to this off limits club. When they attempted to enter they were arrested. Is this a good read? You bet it is. A finely crafted introduction expertly sets the stage for the almost two hundred photographs in the book. Each photographic caption tells an enlightening and obviously well-researched story. If you read only one book on the subject, The Tuskegee Airmen by Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Reilly is the one to read.

Although the story of the Tuskegee Airmen is finally getting the public's attention, there is much still unknown. This book goes a long way toward helping to tell not only a complete story but also a very accurate story. All school children should be encouraged to read this book. Teachers at middle school, high school, and introductory college American history courses should be encouraged to use this book as part of their curriculum. It's about time someone wrote this book.