Tuskegee Airmen (AL) (Images of Aviation) [Paperback]

Lynn M. Homan (Author), Thomas Reilly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 29, 1998

In 1941, Tuskegee, Alabama, was selected as the site of an important new development in military training. For the first time, black Americans were to be allowed to serve their country as members of the United States Army Air Corps. During its five-year history, Tuskegee Army Air Field was home to almost 1,000 African-American pilots. More than 10,000 black men and women served as their vital support personnel. Together, they filled the ranks of the 99th Fighter Squadron, the 332nd Fighter Group, and the 477th Bombardment Group. Their remarkable achievements at home and overseas destroyed stereotypes and helped to bring about the eventual integration of the United States military. Under the harsh restrictions of segregation, the African-Americans both trained and served together, and in this forced isolation, developed unbreakable bonds .

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

In The Tuskegee Airmen, Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Reilly have composed an enduring homage to the groundbreaking achievements of these men and women. Using photos provided by the Tuskegee Airmen and their families, the Smithsonian Institution, and NASA, the authors bring to life the trials and triumphs of the Tuskegee Experience. In these more enlightened times, we can relive the struggles of those African-Americans who wanted to serve, who demanded equality, and who yearned to fly.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (November 29, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738500453
• ISBN-13: 978-0738500454
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #326,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the real deal., December 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tuskegee Airmen (AL) (Images of Aviation) (Paperback)

Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Reilly have put together an excellent, exciting, comprehensive, and extremely valuable contribution to the collection of the lore of the Tuskegee Airmen. Without any doubt, it is by far the most complete photographic study of these twentieth century American heroes. Why have I not described them as black heroes? Put the black adjective aside and consider them as American heroes, not just black or white. This is American history at its best. The book does an excellent job of describing what the authors have described as the Tuskegee Experience which was comprised not just of the pilots that flew to distinction in Europe during World War II. Mechanics, armorers, the band, women; fifteen people were required to keep one combat fighter pilot in the air. Who has ever heard of the 477th Bombardment Group? Well, they were a group of black bomber pilots that trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field among other bases. When white Army Air Forces commanders established a segregated officers' club at Freeman Field, Indiana, hundreds of black officers dared seek admittance to this off limits club. When they attempted to enter they were arrested. Is this a good read? You bet it is. A finely crafted introduction expertly sets the stage for the almost two hundred photographs in the book. Each photographic caption tells an enlightening and obviously well-researched story. If you read only one book on the subject, The Tuskegee Airmen by Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Reilly is the one to read.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is wicked good reading., October 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tuskegee Airmen (AL) (Images of Aviation) (Paperback)

Like so many other people did, I watched the movie on HBO about the Tuskegee Airmen and I really enjoyed it. Because of the movie I went out and bought and read everything that I could about the Tuskegee Airmen. I have read at least a half dozen books on the subject so far and have far and away enjoyed this book more than any others. The authors have done a magnificent job of researching the subject. Their story flows seamlessly from their introduction through each obviously carefully written photograph and photographic caption. I loved it. I encourage every American to read this book, it's uplifting and educational at the same time. Well done to the authors for writing this book and well done to the men and women that made it happen.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MY HEROES, September 21, 2000

By 

james aldridge (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tuskegee Airmen (AL) (Images of Aviation) (Paperback)

I need to start out by saying that I am a young black man and as such, this book had a great deal of meaning for me. In an era and in a society in which so many young black men are portrayed in such a negative light, it is good to see a book filled from beginning to end with black men and women of great accomplishment. All young black men and women should be intimately aware of the Tuskegee Airmen and the tremendous accomplishments that they have made to American society. I have never met a Tuskegee Airman, but I would like to. This is a very good book and I encourage all of my brothers and sisters to read this book. Blacks in America need heroes. These men and women are my heroes. I salute them and the authors for writing such a golden book.