“Always Forward”

  • Published
  • By Maj. Bret Bakner
  • 477th Fighter Group
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardso, Alaska --  “Always Forward” composition by Brett Bakner, 2017
The Composition
The idea behind this composition was to bridge the past with the present. This piece is actually two photographs digitally stitched together. The singular element that allowed both photographs to meld is the damaged B-24 Liberator in the background. It is only fitting that the bomber became the linkage in this artistic endeavor as our unit today has ties to both fighters (302d Fighter Squadron) and bombers (our numerical designation namesake, 477th). Combining these photographs paint the picture of what it was like to fly and maintain planes of WWII in a deployed location.

The Airman on the wing is confidently directing the F-22s forward - an added element of the present - a reminder that while we look back in honor, our unit will proudly remain “Always Forward.”

The Photographs
The first photograph used is arguably the most recognized photograph of the 477th Fighter Group Headquarters building - an entryway 20-framed split image - titled “Air Overview.” This picture, taken by Toni Frissell, March 1945, Ramitelli Air Field Italy, proudly displays three Red Tailed P-51 Mustangs flying right to left with a Tuskegee Airman in our foreground watching the sky.

Next, we found a seldom seen photograph, likely taken minutes after “Air Overview,” from Toni Frissell. This untitled photograph’s main subject is a Tuskegee Airman navigating for the taxing pilot from the wing of his P-51. This practice was created to overcome the conditions of a temporary air field made by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1944.
The History
The significance of these photographs taken in March 1945 is that these planes flew in supportive bombing missions; escorting Fifteenth Air Force heavy strategic bombing raids into Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Poland, and Germany.

On 24 March 1945, the Tuskegee Airmen took part in an escort mission to raid the Daimler-Benz tank factory in Berlin, Germany along with five other fighter groups. The mission was to escort the bombers to the edge of Berlin and then pass them off to another fighter group. At the rendezvous point, the relieving fighter group had not arrived. Despite needing to conserve fuel for the long trip back to Italy, the Tuskegee Airmen “stayed with the bombers.” As a result, they encountered a pack of
Me-262 jet interceptors - the first jet-powered plane used in a war - that were launched to shoot down the bombers. During the action, the Tuskegee pilots were credited with destroying three Me 262s of the Luftwaffe's all-jet Jagdgeschwader 7 in aerial combat that day.

Our Unit
On 1 October 2007, continuing the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 477th Fighter Group officially activated as a Reserve unit that flies, maintains, and supports the F-22A Raptor Fifth-Generation Fighter. The 477th Fighter Group is Alaska’s only Reserve unit which is responsible for the combat-ready force of 400 Airmen under the Total Force Integration concept of AFRC’s first F-22 associate unit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Mission:
Providing Combat-ready Airmen for Air Dominance

Vision:
To be an agile, inclusive force, employing our experiences within strong partnerships

Bombardment Squadron.

Sergeant Edwards completed his basic training at Sheppard Field, Texas and succeeded in completing the aircraft and engine mechanics training. Known for his determination, pursuit of excellence, and a spotless maintenance record, Sergeant Edwards was chosen as Flight Chief at Godman Field, Kentucky in 1943; highlighted by being hand-picked by Colonel B.O. Davis.

As Flight Chief, his unit’s near perfect record led to activation for combat duty on April 13, 1944. A year later, the Bomber Group combined with the Tuskegee Fighter Group to form the 477th Composite Group and was stationed at Freeman Field, Indiana.

Freeman Field was the site where the denial of entry of Tuskegee Officers in the Officers Club resulted in arrest and court martial of 162 Airmen; known as the Freeman Field Mutiny. To this day, the Freeman Field Mutiny is a source of mixed pride and sorrow for Leslie Edwards.
The dismissal of the court martial following a historic and lengthy trial made it a double victory for these warriors who had fought for our country.

Putting this triumph into historic context, it is worth noting that these true leaders championed a victory 19 years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. These are battles that must neither be abandoned nor forgotten.

He is inducted to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor - Location:
Foil: 12 Panel: 4 Column: 1 Line: 9