7. The group of the first African-airmen in the US Air
   Force.

Tuskegee Airmen

• Formation and Purpose: Established during World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen were a pioneering group of African-American pilots and support personnel. Their formation was a direct response to the racial segregation and discrimination prevalent in the U.S. military at the time.
• Training: They were primarily trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. The rigorous training program aimed to prepare them for combat missions, despite the skepticism and prejudice they faced.
• Combat Achievements: The Tuskegee Airmen flew numerous missions in Europe, primarily escorting bombers and engaging in aerial combat. They earned a distinguished reputation for their skill and bravery, challenging the prevailing stereotypes about African-American capabilities in aviation and combat roles.
• Legacy: Their exceptional performance played a significant role in the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which began the process of ending racial segregation in the military.
• Transition to the U.S. Air Force: When the U.S. Air Force became a separate branch of the military in 1947, many Tuskegee Airmen continued their service, contributing to the integration and advancement of African-Americans within the newly formed Air Force.