Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen comprised America's African-American flying corps during World War II. Overcoming obstacles created by unthinking prejudice, they made a real contribution to the Allied war effort. Their exploits have been chronicled in several films, including, most recently, "Red Tails." Although not a critical success (40% on Rotten Tomatoes), I found it enjoyable - there's something very satisfying about watching a bunch of black guys kicking some Nazi ass. 

The photos are by Toni Frissell.

 Ground crew sweats in a mission, 1945

  

 Members of the 332nd Fighter Group attending a briefing in Ramitelli, Italy, March, 1945

  

 P-51C Mustangs at Ramitelli Airfield with goats

  

 Portrait of Tuskegee airman Edward M. Thomas, 1945

  

 Tuskeegee airmen at briefing, Ramitelli, Italy, March 1945

  

 Tuskegee airmen adjusting an external 75 gallon drop tank

 on the wing of the P-51D Creamer's Dream, 1945

  

 Tuskegee airmen at Ramitelli, Italy, March 1945

  

 Tuskegee Airmen, Ramitelli, Italy, 1945

  

 Toni Frissell with Major George S. "Spanky" Roberts at Ramitelli, Italy, March, 1945

  

 Tuskegee airmen exiting the parachute room, Ramitelli, Italy, March 1945

  

 Tuskegee airmen Marcellus G. Smith and Roscoe C. Brown, Ramitelli, Italy, March 1945

  

Tuskegee airmen playing cards in the officers' club in the evening, 1945