HARRISBURG, PA — State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, championed the passage on Monday of H.B. 2586, a measure that would designate March 29 as Tuskegee Airman Commemoration Day in Pennsylvania.
“As we march toward Juneteenth, it’s encouraging to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree on this commonsense legislation,” said Williams, a prime sponsor of H.B 2586. “The Tuskegee Airmen were brave, brave men, many of whom hail from western Pennsylvania. Their contribution to the war effort has not and will not be forgotten, especially in our commonwealth. It’s been an honor to help get this bill across the finish line.”
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first group of Black military fighter pilots and were among the most accomplished aviators in World War II. Williams said upwards of 900 pilots who graduated from Tuskegee Airfield flew 1,578 missions throughout the war and earned more than 850 medals.
The airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group fought in the North Africa, Italy and Germany. The 332nd’s distinguished combat record and red markings painted on the tails of their P-47 Mustangs earned them the well-known title of “Red-Tail Angels.”
Nearly 100 Tuskegee Airmen came from western Pennsylvania, more than any other region in the nation.
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