These are the first five cadets to graduate and get their wings at Tuskegee.Stan Stokes

Tuskegee’s First Five

Tuskegee’s First Five Tuskegee’s first five cadets to receive their wings and become official US Army Air Force pilots were in Class 42C-SE. This group of black pilots completed their pilot training on March 6, 1942, at Tuskegee Army…
Stan Stokes painting of Tuskegee Airman Alton Ballard.Stan Stokes

Tuskegee Airman Alton Ballard

Tuskegee Airman Alton Ballard was a fighter pilot with the famous 332nd fighter Group - the "Red Tails". In 1942, Alton Ballard was a new cadet in class 43-H-SE at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. In primary training, he had…
Tuskegee Airman Robert Ashby and his aircraft.Stan Stokes

Tuskegee Airman Bob Ashby

Tuskegee Airman Bob Ashby Bob Ashby enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age seventeen as a candidate for the Aviation Cadet program. He was called to active duty in August 1944. Bob as was assigned to Keesler Field, Mississippi for basic training…
Tuskegee Airmen Andrew Turner and John Briggs.Stan Stokes

Tuskegee Airmen Andrew Turner and John Briggs

Tuskegee Airmen Andrew Turner and John Briggs Andrew Turner Andrew Turner enlisted into the US Army on October 8, 1942 and was a member of class 42-I-SE at Tuskegee, Alabama. He received his wings and was inducted into the US Army Air…
Tuskegee Airman Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.Stan Stokes

General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.

General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in July 1932. He was shunned by his classmates for the entire time he was there. He persevered through the next 4 years and graduated…
Tuskegee Airman George "Spanky" RobertsStan Stokes

George “Spanky” Roberts

Tuskegee Airman George “Spanky” Roberts Tuskegee Airman George “Spanky” Roberts had already received his pilot’s license in the Civilian Pilot Training Program when he entered flight training in the first class at Tuskegee, Alabama. …
Painting of Charles McGee and the aircraft important to his career.Stan Stokes

Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee

Brigadier General Charles McGee Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee enlisted in the United States Army on October 26, 1942 as a pilot cadet. He received his wings becoming an official pilot in the US Army Air Corps graduating in Class 43-F on…
Stan Stokes painting of Tuskegee Airman Walter PalmerStan Stokes

Tuskegee Airman Walter Palmer

Tuskegee Airman Walter Palmer Born in 1921, 1st Lt. Walter J.A. Palmer became a US Army Air Force pilot  in 1943 graduating in class SE-43-F. He flew 158 combat missions over Italy and Germany during World War II. He was assigned to…
Stan Stokes painting of Tuskegee Airman Alexander JeffersonStan Stokes

Tuskegee Airman Alexander Jefferson

Tuskegee Airman Alexander Jefferson Originally from Detroit, Alexander attained a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from Clark College in Atlanta and in September 1942, was sworn in to the United States Army Reserves. He volunteered…