Black Americans in the Military
During World War I, Black Americans sought to contribute to aerial efforts but faced rejection from their own country’s military forces. Individuals like Eugene Bullard turned to France for opportunities in aviation after being denied by American forces. The exclusion of Black Americans from US military aviation persisted until 1939 when congressional action under pressure from civil rights groups mandated the training of black flyers. However, progress was slow, and it wasn’t until 1941 that the 99th Pursuit Squadron, an all-black unit, was established in Tuskegee, Alabama. By March 1942, the first class of five black fighter pilots graduated, including Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., who became the first black officer to solo an Army Air Corps plane.
Despite the establishment of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the path for black aviators was fraught with obstacles. Many remained without assignments, and plans for their deployment were often delayed or resisted. General Henry “Hap” Arnold, commander of the US Army Air Forces, expressed reluctance to integrate black officers into operational roles, citing social tensions. It took sustained pressure from civil rights groups, media, and the intervention of President Roosevelt before the military relented, declaring the 99th combat-ready in April 1943.