The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History: 1939-1949 with a Comprehensive Chronology of Missions and Events

by Joseph Caver, Jerome Ennels, Daniel Haulman

Many documentaries, articles, museum exhibits, books, and movies have now treated the subject of the Tuskegee Airmen, the only black American military pilots in World War II. Most of these works have focused on their training and their subsequent accomplishments during combat. This publication goes further, using captioned photographs to trace the Airmen through the various stages of training, deployment, and combat in North Africa, Italy, and over occupied Europe. Included for the first time are depictions of the critical support roles of doctors, nurses, mechanics, navigators, weathermen, parachute riggers, and others, all of whom contributed to the Airmen’s success. In words and pictures, this volume makes vivid the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the environments in which they lived, worked, played, fought, and sometimes died.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction

232 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2011

Reviews

[Hal Brodsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice yearbook style photos, almost all of them obviously staged. I wish the book contained more information.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled when the publicist asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing this book. I had recently read and reviewed “A Rare Titanic Family”, published by NewSouth Books. I knew very little about the Tuskegee Airmen, except that they were black pilots during World War II. For that reason alone I wanted to read it. Any time I can read a book and gain more knowledge I am thrilled.

From the very beginning of this book I found myself angry. I was angry at a society that could think that the color of ones skin could affect the size of ones brain and their ability to learn. Having been raised in a home where I was taught there was no difference between people of different colors I am always amazed at the worlds stupidity and the resilience of those who don’t fit into those stupid little boxes.

Joseph Caver and Jerome Ennels – archivists along with Daniel Haulman – a historian with the Air Force Historical Research Agency at Maxwell AFB came together to create and present an account of the Tuskegee Airmen. Before reading this book I knew they were black and they were considered an elite group of pilots who did not receive recognition for their service until many years later. I was shocked to learn there were over 14,000 people in the various organizations. I didn’t even know they had several different organizations.

It amazed me as I read the book to see the accomplishments of these people and how long it took for them to be recognized for their accomplishments. With ignorance the country tried to hold back these airmen to the point they waited years to be recognized for their role in World War II. Thank goodness we have men like these authors who are willing to get the information out there for people like me who thirst for knowledge but don’t always know where to find it. I would like to say that I am keeping this book on my shelves. However, a math teacher at my school saw I was reading it and wants it for his classroom to share with his students. I am all for passing on books to other teachers of different subjects if they will promote reading. Especially when he told me how he can use the book when talking about statistics.

I whole-heartedly recommend this book to everyone who loves history. It doesn’t have to be a particular era of history you love to enjoy this book.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee present the coin at the Super Bowl it sparked my interest in learning more about the Tuskegee Airmen. This book was absolutely fantastic and filled with some amazing information on what these aviators did in the war and in the journey of equality not just in the military but also in the United States. Also had a nice introduction showing many amazing early Black Pioneers of Flight. Great read especially for Black History Month which I was a little delayed on but I'm glad I picked this one up.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had lots of pictures but only about 21 pages of text. It was very good for what it was, but I would have liked more information about the individual pilots.

[Karri Hoopes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and factual. Somewhat dry and left me with questions about follow-up on some of the incidents, particularly the deaths and reported deaths and returns of some of the airmen. I guess those details were outside of the scope of this book. The pictures were very clear and well done. A tribute to this courageous group of individuals.

[Carrie Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down, very interesting