A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman

by Charles W. Dryden, Benjamin O. Davis

How does a Black American prepare for a career in a profession traditionally closed to blacks? And how does he or she cope with the frustrations and dangers that subsequent experiences generate?

'A-Train' is the story of one of the Black Americans who, during World War II, graduated from Tuskegee Army Flying School and served as a pilot in the 99th Pursuit Squadron. Charles W. Dryden has prepared an honest, fast-paced, balanced, vividly written, and very personal account of what it was like to be a black soldier, and specifically a combat pilot, during World War II and the Korean War.

Colonel Dryden's book commands our attention because it is a balanced account by an insightful man who enlisted in a segregated army and retired from an integrated air force. Dryden's account is poignant in illuminating the hurt inflicted by racism on even the most successful black people. As a member of that elite group of those young pilots who fought for their country overseas while being denied civil liberties at home, Dryden presents an eloquent memoir of the experiences he has shared and the changes he has witnessed.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History

440 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 1997

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at the museum in Tuskegee a few years ago. It’s a solid memoir of an important piece of fairly recent history. The recounting of Jim Crow incidents is maddening as always and serves to remind the burden white supremacy imposes. The recounting of his love affair with flying was pretty well done. I’m not a fan of that particular geeky stuff but there were some good stories and it reminds us that all these pioneers face genuine physical and technical challenges as well as the Jim Crow challenges. I was really struck by the unexamined reportage on relations between the sexes. He left his wife and kids so much I ached for her and his awareness of her burdens seems minimal. Would have liked to hear what his life after the military was like.

[Tom Leland · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 out of 10. Pedestrian and prolix writing at best with much devoted merely to acknowledging buddies and the particulars of military processes. At times redundant and stilted. However, his few stolid anecdotes depicting the racism he and other Black aviators faced, though predictable, were fascinating and at times outrageous.

In the face of incidents such as German P.O.W.'s having access to dining and facilities denied to Tuskegee Airmen who fought Nazis and fascism, Dryden asked: "Who was my worst enemy, really? Was it the Germans and North Koreans who shot at me with intent to kill, or was it the major general and others like him who constantly waged Jim Crow warfare against African-Americans during times of peace and war?"

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best ways to learn about the Tuskegee Airmen. The author covered a lot of ground, and did it with depth, balance, personality, class, and grace. I especially respect the fact that he used language which was descriptive without resorting to vulgarity.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a Black History Month book discussion. The local Legacy Museum of African American History is featuring an exhibit on African Americans in the military, and the book is a perfect fit. The author, Lt. Col. Charles W. Dryden wanted to fly since he was a toddler. When he attempted to sign up for the army air corps in the 1940s, he was told that they did not allow people of his race to fly. Fortunately for him, and for our country, the Tuskegee Experiment was about to begin, and he was accepted. The Tuskegee Airmen were an all-Black unit of Army Air Corps pilots who trained in Tuskegee, Alabama and who distinguished themselves by their bravery in World War II.

Besides telling the story of his twenty-one years in the military, the author tells us of his private life during that time. We meet his parents, wife, family and friends. We learn of the terrible discrimination that befell African American military personnel both within and outside of the service. There are some hurts that Lt. Col. Dryden was never able to forgive or forget. But he was an outstanding member of the Air Force and helped pave the way for other young men like himself who wanted to serve their country.

[Jim Taglianetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Story That Should Be Required Reading

I have visited Tuskegee and walked on the tarmac on the field where these men learned to fly. This story highlights what it means to be an American when the biases are against you. it is easy to be a white American but being black was and probably still is difficult. The Tuskegee Airmen are not only war hero's but also hero's and leaders in the Civil Rights movement in this country. I have seen Jim Crow and it was ugly.This is a must read for all of Americans.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quote: 'I had lived to fly, from my infancy...'.
What we would now call a 'Jet Jockey'.

Hard to read the indignities and racial slurs, though these conditions improved over time, they still exist.

[Theophilus (Theo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent first-hand account of some real heroes.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting story. too bad most of these men have died. lots of stories will go o their graves with them.