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Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen
NPR investigative journalist and the daughter of a Tuskegee Airman, Cheryl W. Thompson explores the stories of the 27 Tuskegee Airmen – the Black pilots who fought for America in WWII – who went missing in combat, the lives they lived, the reasons they were shot down, why the remains of all but one were never found, and the impact their disappearances had on their families and communities.
In 1945, World War II ended in one of the deadliest conflicts in history. Geared for battle were nearly 1,000 trailblazing Black pilots trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field, an unrepentantly segregated facility in Alabama. Hailing from the Iowa cornfields to the Texas Gulf Coast to the tobacco plantations of North Carolina, the Tuskegee Airmen already proved, under the toughest circumstances, to be among the most resilient and defiantly patriotic men of the Army Air Corps.
27 of them disappeared during the final critical mission in Europe. So, too, would the government’s efforts to find them, acknowledge them, or help to bring closure to the loved ones that the valiant 332nd Fighter Group left behind.
In Forgotten Souls, award-winning journalist Cheryl W. Thompson delves into the true stories of the Black combat pilots who faced unimaginable racism—before, during, and after the war—from a military that told them they were less than, even as their courage and aviation prowess saved scores of white brothers in arms from the enemy.
As cruel as war itself could be, the friends, family, communities, and fellow Tuskegee Airmen who mourned the lost pilots never imagined how unforgivable it could get. After 80 years, Forgotten Souls honors the impact they made, and the sacrifices they endured on America’s behalf.
In 1945, World War II ended in one of the deadliest conflicts in history. Geared for battle were nearly 1,000 trailblazing Black pilots trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field, an unrepentantly segregated facility in Alabama. Hailing from the Iowa cornfields to the Texas Gulf Coast to the tobacco plantations of North Carolina, the Tuskegee Airmen already proved, under the toughest circumstances, to be among the most resilient and defiantly patriotic men of the Army Air Corps.
27 of them disappeared during the final critical mission in Europe. So, too, would the government’s efforts to find them, acknowledge them, or help to bring closure to the loved ones that the valiant 332nd Fighter Group left behind.
In Forgotten Souls, award-winning journalist Cheryl W. Thompson delves into the true stories of the Black combat pilots who faced unimaginable racism—before, during, and after the war—from a military that told them they were less than, even as their courage and aviation prowess saved scores of white brothers in arms from the enemy.
As cruel as war itself could be, the friends, family, communities, and fellow Tuskegee Airmen who mourned the lost pilots never imagined how unforgivable it could get. After 80 years, Forgotten Souls honors the impact they made, and the sacrifices they endured on America’s behalf.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published January 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 27, 2026
Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen reflects the work of investigative journalist, Cheryl W. Thompson (whose father William E. Whitlow Jr. was himself a Tuskegee Airman, serving as a pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group in Italy during WWII) to flesh out and examine the lives of the 27 Tuskegee Airmen who went missing in action - and the impact their deaths had on their families decades after WWII.
Thompson also met with surviving spouses and siblings of these missing airmen, and it is their stories in the book that further convey the human cost across generations in the families of these missing airmen who were never able to have closure through having the remains of their loved ones returned to them. Indeed, what is revealed in the book is the negligence of the War Department in its often feeble, half-hearted efforts to try to find the remains of the missing airmen in the areas of conflict where their aircraft disappeared.
The U.S. military in WWII was rigidly racially segregated, which led to African Americans in its ranks being accorded a lower value than their white compatriots - and even German prisoners of war. (As a son whose late father was a U.S. Army combat veteran of WWII who fought in Europe during 1944-45, I grew up on his stories of the indignities heaped on him, both stateside and in Europe, because of the color of his skin.)
Forgotten Souls also sheds light on the efforts, in recent times, to find the remains of the 27 Tuskegee Airmen - when possible -which led to some of the bereaved families belatedly receiving the closure they had sought for so long. It gave me a good feeling to read about this.
As of the writing of this review (February 26th, 2026), the number of surviving Tuskegee Airmen who served during WWII is vanishingly small. Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy - one of the Tuskegee Airmen Thompson interviewed for this book - died September 25, 2025, age 100. At 19, he was the youngest pilot to fly combat with the 332nd Fighter Group in the war.
For anyone seeking to better understand the lasting human costs of war, I highly recommend reading Forgotten Souls.
Thompson also met with surviving spouses and siblings of these missing airmen, and it is their stories in the book that further convey the human cost across generations in the families of these missing airmen who were never able to have closure through having the remains of their loved ones returned to them. Indeed, what is revealed in the book is the negligence of the War Department in its often feeble, half-hearted efforts to try to find the remains of the missing airmen in the areas of conflict where their aircraft disappeared.
The U.S. military in WWII was rigidly racially segregated, which led to African Americans in its ranks being accorded a lower value than their white compatriots - and even German prisoners of war. (As a son whose late father was a U.S. Army combat veteran of WWII who fought in Europe during 1944-45, I grew up on his stories of the indignities heaped on him, both stateside and in Europe, because of the color of his skin.)
Forgotten Souls also sheds light on the efforts, in recent times, to find the remains of the 27 Tuskegee Airmen - when possible -which led to some of the bereaved families belatedly receiving the closure they had sought for so long. It gave me a good feeling to read about this.
As of the writing of this review (February 26th, 2026), the number of surviving Tuskegee Airmen who served during WWII is vanishingly small. Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy - one of the Tuskegee Airmen Thompson interviewed for this book - died September 25, 2025, age 100. At 19, he was the youngest pilot to fly combat with the 332nd Fighter Group in the war.
For anyone seeking to better understand the lasting human costs of war, I highly recommend reading Forgotten Souls.
February 22, 2026
Well researched and written book about the missing Tuskegee Airmen. Strong details about the treatment of the Airmen by society. I would love to know more details about the flight by Chief Anderson and Eleanor Roosevelt. Historic.
September 9, 2025
So many young men, lost and forgotten by all but their families and close friends. The Tuskegee Airmen, Black pilots of WWII, were a little recognized group of brave soldiers who joined the segregated service to serve as pilots in WWII. They faced racism, segregation, discrimination, and disrespect. However, they became a close group of soldiers and when one was lost, the others mourned him. Their families mourned them and never forgot. Unfortunately, they often received little or no help from the government to attempt to recover or identify their remains. Some families were able to piece together what had happened to their loved one, others only ever knew basic guesses of what must have happened. This is their story - heartbreaking and emotional, but it filled me with a huge sense of respect for this group of fallen soldiers. It is a story well worth reading.
January 31, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing/Dafina for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This. Book. Forgotten Souls is the type of history I love to read about. Bringing stories of the Black experience to the forefront where it belongs. I knew of the Tuskegee airman from my readings after I left school, but nothing in detail. National Public Radio’s Cheryl W. Thompson’s father was from the famed air group. She presents a richly researched narrative that combines personal testimony and a meticulously documented account of the 27 missing Black airmen.
Forgotten Souls focuses on the wartime bravery the Tuskegee airmen exhibited and the systemic racism they faced every. single. day. The missing men left a lingering emotional toll on their families. There is a depth and nuance to the emotional weight of that unresolved loss. This thoughtful and historically grounded book hit that social justice storytelling spot that I do love to explore.
Thompson explores the racist belief that Black men could not learn to fly because they weren’t smart enough. They were segregated by the Army Air Corps into their own unit. That they were sent to a base in Alabama during the Jim Crow era is a special kind of cruelty. However, the men learned that the safest place in the state was on the air base. Of the 900 men who trained at Tuskegee, 27 didn’t return after flying their missions. What happened to these Black men remains a mystery, in part because the white men in charge didn’t want to waste resources to find Black bodies.
Released just in time for Black History Month, this extensively researched book is the perfect book to pick up and explore another side of WWII history that wasn’t taught in school.
This. Book. Forgotten Souls is the type of history I love to read about. Bringing stories of the Black experience to the forefront where it belongs. I knew of the Tuskegee airman from my readings after I left school, but nothing in detail. National Public Radio’s Cheryl W. Thompson’s father was from the famed air group. She presents a richly researched narrative that combines personal testimony and a meticulously documented account of the 27 missing Black airmen.
Forgotten Souls focuses on the wartime bravery the Tuskegee airmen exhibited and the systemic racism they faced every. single. day. The missing men left a lingering emotional toll on their families. There is a depth and nuance to the emotional weight of that unresolved loss. This thoughtful and historically grounded book hit that social justice storytelling spot that I do love to explore.
Thompson explores the racist belief that Black men could not learn to fly because they weren’t smart enough. They were segregated by the Army Air Corps into their own unit. That they were sent to a base in Alabama during the Jim Crow era is a special kind of cruelty. However, the men learned that the safest place in the state was on the air base. Of the 900 men who trained at Tuskegee, 27 didn’t return after flying their missions. What happened to these Black men remains a mystery, in part because the white men in charge didn’t want to waste resources to find Black bodies.
Released just in time for Black History Month, this extensively researched book is the perfect book to pick up and explore another side of WWII history that wasn’t taught in school.
September 27, 2025
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Cheryl W. Thompson's book chronicling the stories of the African American pilots who disappeared during World War II while defending our country. These pilots were part of an elite, trailblazing group called the Tuskegee Airmen, who faced considerable racial discrimination at the hands of the United States government and army. The author, herself the daughter of a Tuskegee Airman, goes into detail about the lives of each pilot who disappeared during the war, as well as the lasting impact their disappearances had on the families and friends these pilots left behind. It was so disheartening to read about the egregious lack of concern and care the United States Army and government displayed once these pilots went missing, often waiting years to start a search for these missing pilots, if they searched for them at all.
Prior to reading this book, I knew next to nothing about the Tuskegee Airmen and the crucial role these pilots played during the war, as this is not often discussed. I am so glad I got the chance to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen as well as learning more about each pilot who sacrificed their life for this country while fighting in one of the most brutal wars. This book by Cheryl W. Thompson was a great tribute to these men who made the ultimate sacrifice for a country that often showed them just how little it cared for them and treated them as second class citizens. I will never forget the stories of these brave and selfless men.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Prior to reading this book, I knew next to nothing about the Tuskegee Airmen and the crucial role these pilots played during the war, as this is not often discussed. I am so glad I got the chance to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen as well as learning more about each pilot who sacrificed their life for this country while fighting in one of the most brutal wars. This book by Cheryl W. Thompson was a great tribute to these men who made the ultimate sacrifice for a country that often showed them just how little it cared for them and treated them as second class citizens. I will never forget the stories of these brave and selfless men.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2026
According to the Army official government website: "During WWII, more than 2.5 million African American men registered for the draft, and African American women volunteered in large numbers. When combined with black women enlisted into Women's Army Corps, more than one million African Americans served the Army during the War. As of early 2026, there is no exact, publicly available count of specifically Black American World War II veterans still alive, though they are part of the fewer than 45,000 U.S. WWII veterans surviving today."
Thompson's "Forgotten Souls" focuses on the wartime bravery the Tuskegee airmen exhibited and the systemic racism they faced every. single. day. The book explores the 27 Tuskegee Airmen (Black WW2 pilots) who went missing in action and were never found stems from a combination of hazardous combat missions, unreliable equipment, and institutional racism that limited search and rescue efforts. Thompson explores the racist belief that Black men could not learn to fly because they weren’t smart enough. They were segregated by the Army Air Corps into their own unit. The answer to why so many were never found lies in a system that sent them into a dangerous war in inferior planes and then did not look for them with the same dedication as their white counterparts.
This is their story, heartbreaking and emotional, but it filled me with a huge sense of respect for this group of fallen soldiers. It is a story well worth reading.
Thompson's "Forgotten Souls" focuses on the wartime bravery the Tuskegee airmen exhibited and the systemic racism they faced every. single. day. The book explores the 27 Tuskegee Airmen (Black WW2 pilots) who went missing in action and were never found stems from a combination of hazardous combat missions, unreliable equipment, and institutional racism that limited search and rescue efforts. Thompson explores the racist belief that Black men could not learn to fly because they weren’t smart enough. They were segregated by the Army Air Corps into their own unit. The answer to why so many were never found lies in a system that sent them into a dangerous war in inferior planes and then did not look for them with the same dedication as their white counterparts.
This is their story, heartbreaking and emotional, but it filled me with a huge sense of respect for this group of fallen soldiers. It is a story well worth reading.
January 27, 2026
A book so appropriate to debut a few days before Black History Month is what Investigative Journalist Cheryl W. Thompson has created. The cover defines the story that lies beyond the illustration of a black airman yet in the clouds withcomprised the faces of men who did not return to their air base after an assignment. This is the story of the Tuskegee Airmen from World War II because higher professional Army Air Corps felt that black men could not learn to fly, follow directions yet make split second decisions to fight for their lives and equipment during flights. They had to be segregated from the regular Army Air Corps. Cheryl describes many of the airmen who were selected to become members and came from all over the U.S. to Alabama and learned quickly that the base was the only safe place to be in that area. 900:Tuskegee airmen were trained and 27 didn’t return to their airfield after a mission and what happened to them remains a mystery.. The story is a follow up of these 27 men with extensive research from family member, friends and community remembrances as well as pure academic research. The response of those left behind will resound with you long after you finish reading this book. Perfect for historians, WWII followers, schools. Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing for an e-digital ARC of this book; this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen. Cheryl W. Thompson. Dafina/Kensington Books, to be published January 27, 2026. 240 pages. Thanks to Kensington Books for the free advance readers copy for review.
It's taken far too long for the Tuskegee Airmen to get their just due for their service as the nation's first black military pilots and for their legendary record of achievements in World War II, but, at least in the past few decades, the veterans and their stories have been recognized. Unfortunately, not all survived long enough to see it. In fact, 27 of the over 1,000 Airmen were lost during the war, and their service and sacrifice was forgotten to all but their family. Cheryl W. Thompson, an investigative journalist and the daughter of a Tuskegee Airman herself, set out to uncover and tell the stories of those missing men. The result is a really great history of the unit and the men who comprised it, and now, after 80 years, those 27 missing men are getting at least some of the respect they deserve.
It's taken far too long for the Tuskegee Airmen to get their just due for their service as the nation's first black military pilots and for their legendary record of achievements in World War II, but, at least in the past few decades, the veterans and their stories have been recognized. Unfortunately, not all survived long enough to see it. In fact, 27 of the over 1,000 Airmen were lost during the war, and their service and sacrifice was forgotten to all but their family. Cheryl W. Thompson, an investigative journalist and the daughter of a Tuskegee Airman herself, set out to uncover and tell the stories of those missing men. The result is a really great history of the unit and the men who comprised it, and now, after 80 years, those 27 missing men are getting at least some of the respect they deserve.
February 3, 2026
This powerful work centers on the search for the lost Tuskegee Airmen—brave Black pilots who served their country with honor, only to be overlooked, forgotten, or erased from mainstream history. These men were true American heroes. This book doesn’t just recount facts—it brings their stories to life through the voices of their families. Hearing loved ones speak on their sacrifices, losses, and legacy is both heartbreaking and deeply meaningful.
If you’re unfamiliar with this chapter of American history, this book will open your eyes. If you already know a little, it will deepen your understanding in a very real way. The family stories are priceless and will stay with me long after I finished reading. I highly recommend Forgotten Souls for both educational and emotional purposes. This is a must-read for anyone who believes history should tell the whole story.
Thank you Goodreads for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you’re unfamiliar with this chapter of American history, this book will open your eyes. If you already know a little, it will deepen your understanding in a very real way. The family stories are priceless and will stay with me long after I finished reading. I highly recommend Forgotten Souls for both educational and emotional purposes. This is a must-read for anyone who believes history should tell the whole story.
Thank you Goodreads for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 25, 2025
Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen is an emotionally charged, well-written story about the 27 Tuskegee Airmen who were lost during WWII. This is their story; men who made history as the first Black pilots in a new program which offered the young men an opportunity to train and fight for their country. They went through unspeakable racism, segregation, and disrespect but they became pilots and served with dignity and pride. I was happy to read that two of the men have been identified overseas and brought home, albeit 75-80 years after they died. I hope the remaining 25 will find their way home eventually. In the meantime, this book brings their stories to life, keeping their memories alive. This is a story that needed to be told and I recommend it for everyone. I, for one, will never forget these heroes.
September 5, 2025
This country has done so much wrong to the Tuskegee Airman but the most shameful, is the lack of followup to those who were killed in the line of duty. So the families are left wondering, with no answers or closure. Given the time, so many of loved ones of these airmen, have passed on and many stories were not or could not be passed down. Cheryl Thompson's meticulously researched Forgotten Souls remedies what the US Government has not. She tells the stories and lives of the men who were lost and forgotten and she does so, through the lens of living survivors, loved ones and documents. She shines a light on those who have been erased and whose bodies were mostly never found. This book ensures that these American heroes will never be forgotten.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
January 29, 2026
*The Tuskegee Airmen*
The Forgotten Souls, written by Cheryl W. Thompson , is a compelling, well written novel that brings to life the greatest groups in American military history. This book talks about the lives of the black pilots who defied racism and segregation to become some of the most respected aviators of World War II.
Through vivid storytelling, the book highlights the airmen's incredible achievements, including their impressive combat record in North Africa and Europe. The narrative is punctuated with personal accounts from some of the original Tuskegee Airmen, offering a poignant and humbling perspective on their experiences.
Overall, The Tuskegee Airmen is an informative book that brings to life the enormous contribution made by these men in black history.
The Forgotten Souls, written by Cheryl W. Thompson , is a compelling, well written novel that brings to life the greatest groups in American military history. This book talks about the lives of the black pilots who defied racism and segregation to become some of the most respected aviators of World War II.
Through vivid storytelling, the book highlights the airmen's incredible achievements, including their impressive combat record in North Africa and Europe. The narrative is punctuated with personal accounts from some of the original Tuskegee Airmen, offering a poignant and humbling perspective on their experiences.
Overall, The Tuskegee Airmen is an informative book that brings to life the enormous contribution made by these men in black history.
February 6, 2026
I’m so glad to learn about so many of the Lost Tuskegee Airmen. While not everyone learns about the famed red tails, they should. Thank you Cheryl W. Thompson for sharing and exploring the history of the Tuskegee Airmen. I felt honored to learn more about these men who fought for a country that would fight for them…or even look for them when their planes went down.
For many years you could find me in the photo pit at air shows. I was always drawn to the war birds of WWII. I was always thrilled to see The Red Tail Squadron, part of the non-profit Commemorative Air Force, and the P-51Cs.
Thank you Kensington Publishing | Dafina and NetGalley.#ForgottenSoulsTuskegeeAirmen #NetGalley
For many years you could find me in the photo pit at air shows. I was always drawn to the war birds of WWII. I was always thrilled to see The Red Tail Squadron, part of the non-profit Commemorative Air Force, and the P-51Cs.
Thank you Kensington Publishing | Dafina and NetGalley.#ForgottenSoulsTuskegeeAirmen #NetGalley
March 22, 2026
This book is a history of WWII US Black Pilots, known as Tuskegee Airmen because they were trained there. They encountered a lack of support during their entire deployments. They were supplied with inferior weapons and other equipment, including planes, and because of a lack of backup, many of them disappeared on missions. In spite of all this, they kept going. The author of this book, Cheryl Thompson, the daughter of one of these pilots, has written this book about them. She has brought their spirits into this book and has done a very good job of describing what they went through.
March 22, 2026
In many ways, this book was very difficult to read. How are government could let these men go to Europe and fly planes that were "hand-me-downs" from the White military baffles me and then when they crashed, they didn't even look for their bodies. I must admit that it crossed my mind that perhaps the planes were sabotaged. I'd like to think we don't have that kind of racism in our country anymore but that is not true and maybe that is why it was hard to read.
February 18, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Forgotten Souls. It was very informative. Forgotten Souls will be a valuable addition to my collection of books about the Tuskegee Airmen/Red Tails. The Tuskegee Airmen were an amazing group of young men and their contribution to the "Double V" should never be forgotten.
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February 11, 2026
Well researched and thoughtful, this book gives a clear view into the lives-and deaths-of the Tuskegee Airmen and their families.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher as a Goodreads Giveaway. A review was requested but not required and the content and star rating are both my own
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher as a Goodreads Giveaway. A review was requested but not required and the content and star rating are both my own
March 6, 2026
Excellent study into a dusty episode in WW2 American history. These heroes deserve to be recognized and their families given our support even these many years later.
I read this book in hospital and the book is still very clear in my memory.
I read this book in hospital and the book is still very clear in my memory.
February 11, 2026
Won this through good reads giveaway and it was a great book about those that served their country and went missing.
February 17, 2026
Gifted Copy/Book Overall:4.5/5
Audiobook/Narration: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Audiobook/Narration: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
March 3, 2026
Wonderfully written and thoroughly researched. A great way to honor her father and the many other Tuskegee Airmen who were lost, unnecessarily, during WWII.
March 21, 2026
Interesting topic but a disappointing read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Twenty-seven courageous United States Tuskegee Airmen went missing during their WWII service. Author Cheryl W. Thompson honors these black men who served with her own father by introducing readers to these pilots, fathers, sons and brothers in her new book.
I want to thank Kensington Publishing for the digital advance copy of Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen. This is my own unsolicited opinion. This book is rich in information about this group of heroes, most college graduates, who flew for the 322 Fighter Group, the Red Tails.
I can't fathom the amount of work put into this book, in depth research and personal interviews. It's a priceless piece of history in my opinion. I knew to expect that these men were treated less than and were given low quality aircraft and gear more often than not. I did not prepare myself to be angry and I should have known better. Cheryl Thompson has brought these men and their families into focus for readers to glimpse their character, bravery, ultimate sacrifice and the loss to their families. Stories that should have been told decades ago. It's an excellent tribute.
I want to thank Kensington Publishing for the digital advance copy of Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen. This is my own unsolicited opinion. This book is rich in information about this group of heroes, most college graduates, who flew for the 322 Fighter Group, the Red Tails.
I can't fathom the amount of work put into this book, in depth research and personal interviews. It's a priceless piece of history in my opinion. I knew to expect that these men were treated less than and were given low quality aircraft and gear more often than not. I did not prepare myself to be angry and I should have known better. Cheryl Thompson has brought these men and their families into focus for readers to glimpse their character, bravery, ultimate sacrifice and the loss to their families. Stories that should have been told decades ago. It's an excellent tribute.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews