Tuskegee AirmenAfrican American pilots in the United States Army before World War II never existed and were never even considered before World War II; it was not until this time that they officially formed their first group, Tuskegee Airmen. They fought and successfully overcame two wars during their active period, the war overseas and their own war against racism in America. The Tuskegee Airmen contributed greatly to the United States forces and efforts to lead the United States to victory during World War II. At first, the Tuskegee Airmen were not treated like an average white group; they were at a disadvantage due to persistent racism throughout the country, particularly in the military. They strived and persisted against all odds to be able to serve their nation in the Air Force. Before 1940, they were not allowed to fly in the U.S. Army, but the rivalry between Europe and Asia at that time gave African Americans the opportunity to eventually become part of the Army. 'air. He encouraged the federal government to increase air defenses and the civilian pilot training program in the United States, open to African Americans. They were initially denied military leadership roles because their superiors and the majority of other men believed they did not have the necessary qualifications for combat. It was then that civil rights organizations, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Black Press stepped in and lobbied for equality, resulting in the " formation of an all African-American pursuit squadron based at Tuskegee, Alabama,” the Tuskegee Airmen in 1941 (“Airmen Overview”). In Tuskegee Macon County, Alabama, there was the one and only paper airplane training center of their time. Likewise, they also sank a German destroyer and permanently put a German torpedo boat out of action due to damage. The Tuskegee Airmen appeared during World War II, when the United States needed them. Overcoming countless odds, their perseverance to help light America's path to victory proved to be an unforgettable and memorable period in history. “The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most respected fighting groups of World War II” (“Airmen Overview”). Works Cited “Airmen Overview”. Visionary American Tuskegee Airmen. National Park Service Park Net, April 10, 2000. Web. April 4, 2014 Haulman, Daniel L. “Tuskegee Airmen. » Encyclopedia of Alabama. Alabama HumanitiesFoundation, October 5, 2011. Web. April 7, 2014. “Tuskegee Airmen.” Historynet.com. Weider History Group, nd Web. April 9 2014.