CAF Red Tail Squadron

CAF Red Tail Squadron Visit our Home site- https://cafriseabove.org/

The goal of the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron is to share the inspiring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first black military pilots and their support personnel. Their strength, courage, and ability to triumph over adversity during WWII can serve to inspire others about how to succeed today.

Less than eighty years passed between the first and the formation of the , and, while many things had changed for Bla...
06/19/2026

Less than eighty years passed between the first and the formation of the , and, while many things had changed for Black Americans since 1865, they still faced prejudice, discrimination, and marginalization.

First, let's backup and explain the significance of this very special day. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war. The proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free." Unsurprisingly, Confederate states did all in their power to keep this proclamation from the Black community, as well as rejecting its power in the name of secession. It was not until June 19, 1865 that Union troops arrived in Galveston, TX with the news that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free.

This day came to be known as Juneteenth, now officially a federal holiday. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate, gather together, reflect on the past, and look to the future. The color red features prominently in the day, with its origins traced back to West Africa, representing strength, spirituality, life, and death. Given red's connection to these characteristics, it seems fitting the Tuskegee Legacy includes the .

In fact, last year, Col. James Harvey III served as grand marshal of the 2024 Pittsburgh Juneteenth Parade. Perhaps known best for his role on the first team, only recently recognized due to race, and distinguished service record in the Korean War, Col. Harvey represents a long tradition of service and sacrifice for this nation.

It seems only fitting that celebrating Juneteenth with him is a way to show gratitude for how far this country has come since 1865.

Did you know the significance of red to this special holiday?

Thanks and photo credits to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture .

Tuskegee Airman William T. Fauntroy, Jr. carried the spirit of aviation, service, and public purpose throughout his life...
06/18/2026

Tuskegee Airman William T. Fauntroy, Jr. carried the spirit of aviation, service, and public purpose throughout his life.

Born in Washington, D.C., on March 26, 1926, Fauntroy volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserves in 1944 and was inducted at Camp Lee, Virginia. After basic training at Keesler Field, Mississippi, he was assigned to Tuskegee Army Air Field as a pre-aviation cadet.

In May 1945, Fauntroy entered Class 45-I-SE for single-engine pilot training. His instruction included pre-flight, primary, basic, and advanced flying. He later recalled that his Tuskegee experience gave him moments that made him “proud,” “angry,” and “thankful.” One of his proudest memories was teaching a sergeant how to write and spell his own name, a task Fauntroy considered one of the greatest accomplishments of his life.

As World War II ended, aviation cadets were declared surplus and given the choice to continue in service or be discharged. Fauntroy chose discharge in November 1945, but his commitment to excellence continued.

He returned to school, completed his high school requirements, and enrolled at Howard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. In 1961, he became the first Black civil engineer hired by the National Capital Transportation Agency, the predecessor to WMATA. His work contributed to the planning of the Washington Metropolitan Area rail system we now know as Metro.

Fauntroy later served as an urban planner for the subway system built in the District of Columbia and retired from WMATA in 1984.

William T. Fauntroy, Jr. may have called himself “little Willy,” but his legacy was anything but small. From Tuskegee to transportation planning, his life reflected perseverance, discipline, and service to a nation still learning to live up to its ideals.

Learn more: https://cafriseabove.org/william-t-fauntroy/

, June 17, we celebrate the birth of Tuskegee Airman Robert W. Deiz, a combat pilot, test pilot, educator, and the face...
06/17/2026

, June 17, we celebrate the birth of Tuskegee Airman Robert W. Deiz, a combat pilot, test pilot, educator, and the face of one of World War II's most recognizable War Bond posters.

Born in Portland, Oregon, on June 17, 1919, Deiz excelled as a student-athlete, setting track records at Franklin High School and later at the University of Oregon. His path to aviation began through the Civilian Pilot Training Program, a groundbreaking initiative that expanded flight training opportunities and helped prepare thousands of future military aviators for service during World War II.

After earning his wings at Tuskegee Army Air Field as a member of Class 42-H-SE, Deiz joined the 99th Fighter Squadron. Flying combat missions with the famed Tuskegee Airmen, he completed 93 missions in the Mediterranean Theater during 1943 and 1944. On January 27, 1944, he was among the 99th Fighter Squadron pilots who helped destroy ten German Fw 190 fighters in a single day. He added another aerial victory the following day.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by Black military aviators, Deiz later observed, “Prejudice made it a lot tougher for a black fellow to get his wings. It made us the best of the best.”

Beyond his combat service, Deiz became part of American history in another way. In 1943, while training at Tuskegee, he met artist Betsy Graves Reyneau, who had come to paint George Washington Carver and create artwork for a War Bond campaign. Impressed by the young pilot, Reyneau selected Deiz as the model for the now-famous “Keep Us Flying” poster. The image became one of the most enduring visual representations of the Tuskegee Airmen and helped encourage Americans to purchase War Bonds in support of the war effort.

Following World War II, Deiz remained in the Air Force, became one of the early pilots to fly jet aircraft, and retired as a Major after two decades of military service. His life reflected excellence in the air, dedication to service, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Learn more: https://cafriseabove.org/robert-w-deiz/

, June 16, we remember 2nd Lt. Luther Linson Blakeney, a Tuskegee Airman who lost his life during a training mission ov...
06/16/2026

, June 16, we remember 2nd Lt. Luther Linson Blakeney, a Tuskegee Airman who lost his life during a training mission over Lake Huron in 1943.

Born on June 20, 1918, Blakeney served as a weather observer, a critical role that helped military aviators navigate the often challenging conditions they faced in training and combat. On June 16, 1943, he was aboard a Vultee BT-13A Valiant near Oscoda, Michigan, conducting weather observations while 2nd Lt. Nathaniel Milton Hill worked toward his instrument flight qualification.

As the aircraft flew over Lake Huron, rapidly forming fog reduced visibility to the surface of the water. The flight ended in tragedy when the aircraft crashed approximately two miles offshore. Both Lt. Blakeney and Lt. Hill were killed in the accident and later laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

During World War II, Michigan played an important role in the advanced training of Tuskegee Airmen. Airfields at Selfridge and Camp Skeel provided realistic conditions for combat preparation before many pilots deployed overseas. The waters of Lake Huron, however, also claimed the lives of several Tuskegee Airmen during training operations, reminding us that the risks of military service extended far beyond the battlefield.

Today we honor the memory of 2nd Lt. Luther Linson Blakeney and recognize his sacrifice in service to our nation. Though he never reached the combat theater, his dedication and commitment contributed to the success of the Tuskegee Airmen and helped pave the way for future generations of military aviators.

Learn more at: https://cafriseabove.org/luther-linson-blakeney/

Join us in wishing a happy birthday to the USA that's older than the USA! 😉Established as the Continental Army on 14 Jun...
06/14/2026

Join us in wishing a happy birthday to the USA that's older than the USA! 😉

Established as the Continental Army on 14 June 1775, the US Army predates the Declaration of Independence by more than a year, making it older than the nation it would help create.

Just two weeks after its 132nd birthday, the Army would begin an aviation lineage that carries through to the present day:

✪ 1 Aug 1907: Creation of the Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps
✪ 18 Jul 1914: Aviation Section, Signal Corps
✪ 20 May 1918: Division of Military Aeronautics
✪ 24 May 1918: Air Service, U.S. Army
✪ 2 Jul 1926: United States Army Air Corps (USAAC)
✪ 20 Jun 1941: United States Army Air Forces (USAAF)

Even after the independent US Air Force was created in 1947, the Army retained an Aviation Branch, which today operates over 4300 aircraft, roughly 4000 of which are helicopters. In fact, the Army operates more helicopters than the air forces of most nations operate aircraft of all types combined. Army Aviation is one of the largest aviation organizations in the world.

Any Army Aviators in the audience?

Our June newsletter is hot off the press!We're having a great 2026 tour season, traveling the country to share the stori...
06/13/2026

Our June newsletter is hot off the press!

We're having a great 2026 tour season, traveling the country to share the stories of the and .

Check out what we've been up to, read new profiles, and see how you can get involved at https://adobe.ly/43X16mr

in 1944, the 99th Fighter Squadron flew five missions in Italy, attacking ground targets and destroying 12 motor vehic...
06/10/2026

in 1944, the 99th Fighter Squadron flew five missions in Italy, attacking ground targets and destroying 12 motor vehicles, and damaging eight others.

Do you know what operation they were supporting?

James B. Knighten was a true pioneer whose life embodied service, perseverance, and reinvention. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma...
06/09/2026

James B. Knighten was a true pioneer whose life embodied service, perseverance, and reinvention. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 11, 1919, Knighten became one of the first 12 Black military pilots in U.S. history when he graduated from Tuskegee Army Air Field with Class 42-E-SE on May 20, 1942. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron, he helped open the door for future generations of military aviators.

In April 1943, Knighten deployed overseas with the 99th Fighter Squadron and flew in the first combat mission conducted by African American pilots on June 9, 1943. During World War II, he completed 81 combat missions over North Africa and Italy, earning the nickname “The Eel” for his exceptional flying skills. His wartime service earned him the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

Knighten's military career extended far beyond World War II. Remaining in service as the Army Air Forces became the U.S. Air Force, he served through both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, eventually retiring in 1968 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

After military retirement, Knighten spent 20 years with the Federal Aviation Administration as an operations inspector. Yet his story took another remarkable turn. Known throughout his military career for his humor, he launched a successful second career as a stand-up comedian under the stage name Jay Bernard, performing for audiences across Las Vegas for two decades.

James B. Knighten passed away on November 9, 2000, at the age of 80. His legacy endures through the James B. Knighten Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. in Las Vegas and through the generations inspired by his groundbreaking achievements in military aviation, public service, and life beyond the cockpit.

Learn more: https://cafriseabove.org/james-b-knighten/

Do you know who Tinker Air Force Base is named after? in 1942, Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker went missing and was presum...
06/07/2026

Do you know who Tinker Air Force Base is named after?

in 1942, Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker went missing and was presumed dead when his bomber disappeared after taking off from Midway Island. He was the first American general to die in WWII.

Tinker was personally leading a flight of four Liberator IIs (LB-30s that had been built for Britain but requisitioned by the USAAF) on a bombing mission, though there is conflicting information on the circumstances.

Some sources report that the target was the retreating Japanese fleet from the Battle of Midway, while some sources say it was a bombing mission against Wake Island. One source even attributed the mission date and disappearance to June 6, 1942.

Most reports agree that Tinker's plane developed trouble and dropped out of formation, descending through the clouds and disappearing. A couple of reports, though, claim that witnesses saw Tinker's plane hit the water. At least one report says he was shot down, though no other enemy engagement was reported by the other three bombers. Whatever the circumstances, neither Tinker nor any of his crew was ever found.

What is clear is that Clarence Tinker was a man who exemplified courage, tenacity, and honor. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his gallant action in personally leading the dangerous mission. Lt. Gen. Delos C. Emmons, military governor of Hawaii, said, "He died knowing that he had an important part in winning a great victory."

Tinker was also a revered member of the Osage Nation, born in Oklahoma, and an Indian Boarding School survivor from both the Osage Indian Boarding School in Pawhuska, OK, and Haskell Institute in Lawrence, KS. Tinker led an impressive career, which included saving the life of a fellow pilot, earning him the Soldier's Medal. Today, Tinker Air Force Base, located in the heart of , remains a testament to Clarence Tinker and his incredible life.

Today we remember and honor the life and sacrifice of 2nd Lt. Carroll Napier Langston, Jr., a Tuskegee Airman who gave h...
06/07/2026

Today we remember and honor the life and sacrifice of 2nd Lt. Carroll Napier Langston, Jr., a Tuskegee Airman who gave his life during a WWII strike mission over Italy on June 7, 1944.

Born in 1917 in Nashville and raised in Chicago, Carroll Langston was an only child who excelled both academically and athletically. He earned his undergraduate degree from Oberlin College, where he played baseball and majored in French, and later received a law degree from the University of Michigan. But when the call to serve came, he set aside his legal career to answer it, and fight for a country that did not yet afford him equal rights.

Despite being denied entry to the Navy pilot program because of his race, Langston enrolled in flight training at Tuskegee Army Air Field, graduating with Class 43-I-SE in October 1943. Assigned to the 301st Fighter Squadron of the legendary 332nd Fighter Group, he deployed to Italy in January 1944.

On June 7, 1944, during a 36-aircraft combat mission, Lt. Langston’s P-47 Thunderbolt experienced a critical engine failure. He radioed for help, but his aircraft ultimately went down. His body was discovered weeks later, washed ashore near Pineta, Italy, bearing evidence of gunfire wounds. His fellow Airmen buried him with dignity and care, marking the site with a wooden cross.

Langston’s remains were later brought home to Nashville, where he was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery, but without full military honors.

That changed in 2017, when his cousin Tom McKnight, a color guard member and family historian, helped right this final wrong. Seventy-three years after his death, Lt. Langston received the tribute he so rightfully deserved: a rifle volley, the folding of the American flag, and the playing of “Taps.”

“Can you imagine the anguish of his parents?” McKnight reflected. “Four and a half years.”

The journey of Lt. Langston — from aspiring Navy pilot to Tuskegee Airman, from battlefield hero to forgotten grave, and finally to a full military burial — is one of courage, dignity, and enduring justice.

Learn more at: https://cafriseabove.org/carroll-napier-langston-jr/

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Red Wing, MN
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