Tuskegee Airman visits the Mighty Eighth | News

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum welcomed one of the last surviving Tuskegee airmen Monday, as he made a brief visit to Savannah. Lt. Col. Robert J. Friend (Ret.) was a member of the 332nd Fighter Group. The 92-year-old veteran flew 142 combat missions during World War II and is a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American pilots to serve in the United States Army, where they played a significant role in World War II. The pilots from the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group were trained at Tuskegee, Ala., and flew as escorts to protect U.S. bombers during World War II. They became known as “Red Tails” because of their protective mission and because they painted their airplanes’ tails red to identify themselves.

The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum features an Exhibition to honor the Tuskegee Airmen.

For more information, visit www.mightyeighth.org or call the museum at 912.748.8888.

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