477th Fighter Group Meets Living History at Tuskegee Airmen's National Convention

  • Published
  • By Maj. Cary McPartlin
  • 477th FG/PA
8/18/2009 -- ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Ten members of the 477th Fighter Group from Elmendorf Air Force Base met living history recently at the Tuskegee Airmen's 38th Annual Convention held in Las Vegas, Nev.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first American black military pilots and crewmen to serve during World War II. Several of the original Tuskegee Airmen, who fought enemies overseas and discrimination at home, attended the convention.

The event proved to be an incredible opportunity to blend the 477th's rich history with its exciting future.

The 477th Fighter Group traces its heritage back to these heroic aviation pioneers. The Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron historically was part of the 332nd Fighter Group, also known as "The Redtails" the famous all-black unit that fought both American prejudice and Nazi militarism. Additionally, another Tuskegee Airmen unit, the 477th Bombardment Group was activated in 1944. The 477 BG members trained and were ready to deploy just as the War ended.

The 477th and the 302nd were reactivated at Elmendorf AFB in October 2007 when the group became the Air Force Reserve Command's first F-22 Raptor unit.

For two days, the Elmendorf team was able to reconnect with five of the seven original Tuskegee Airmen who attended the 477th Fighter Group reactivation ceremony in October 2007. These included Col. Charles McGee, who holds the record for most combat sorties in three wars; Lt. Col. Robert Ashby, the first black pilot hired by Frontier Airlines; and Lt. Col. James Warren, the group's honorary commander.

These former members of the WW II's 302nd Fighter Squadron and the 477th Bombardment Group and other Tuskegee Airmen shared their stories of courage, determination and unwavering human spirit to overcome all obstacles with today's 302nd and 477th fighting force.

During the convention, several accomplishments of Airmen past and present were honored. The Top Gun trophy was presented to members of the 332nd FG to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Group's victory at the first National Fighter Gunnery Competition.

Additionally, Col. Stayce Harris, U.S. Africa Command, was promoted to brigadier general in a moving ceremony, becoming only the second black general officer in the Air Force Reserve Command.

The 477th FG members joined hundreds of other Airmen -- Active Duty, Reserve and Guard -- weaving conversations of current and future operations while paying tribute to the Air Force's historic legacy.

"It was great to be around the original Tuskegee Airmen again and see how their service and heroism impacted the course of our country," said Staff Sgt. Justin Lunn, 477th Fighter Group Maintenance Squadron. "Their example is still shaping the lives of individuals today, with General Harris as a case in point."

Several Air Force leaders, including Gen. Craig McKinley, Director Air National Guard, attended the convention and shared their thoughts on today's Air Force and shaping its future based on the incredible foundation laid by the Tuskegee Airmen.

In 2010, the 39th Annual Convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas, as it continues to honor the dedicated, determined Tuskegee Airmen and pass on its legacy to future Air Force generations.