We are proud to report that since the launch of our Virtual Museum one month ago, we have received some remarkable submissions. Folks all over the country have been eager to share their personal or family treasures to help tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen to a wide audience, and we invite you to “come in” and visit!
B-17 Gunner Elden Ward, left, captured the top photo of Tuskegee Airman Charles Lane, right, escorting their aircraft in his P-51.
We’ve heard some pretty amazing stories, like David Ward Sr. His father, Elden Ward, was B-17 gunner. On a mission during the War, he captured a photo on his simple Kodak Brownie camera of one of the P-51s escorting their bomber. He was grateful to the “red tail angels,” as they were calling the Tuskegee Airmen at that time. They had developed a reputation for keeping the bombers safe.
Years later, Ward and his family were curios about the aircraft and pilot in that shot. His son did some investigating, and learned that the pilot was Tuskegee Airman Charles Lane. In fact, the two men had lived somewhat near each other in Nebraska, but never knew it. Remarkable.
We are humbled by the supporters and followers of the CAF Red Tail Squadron who have taken the time to send in their artifacts. If you’ve got something you’d like to share – an article of clothing, tool, book, anything that belonged to a Tuskegee Airmen or is relevant to their experience – we encourage you to submit through our easy online portal. All we need is a photo and to share any information you may have. The item never leaves you! We just want to virtually share it with the world as yet another meaningful way to honor the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
In a very exciting development, you can now subscribe to the Virtual Museum and be kept up to take with all new artifacts! We will let you know via email when we have added something new, so you can be the first to see. Just fill out the subscription form on the Virtual Museum’s home page, and rest assured that your information will only be used to share news with you about the latest artifacts, memorials, artwork and other interesting items!
RISE ABOVE!
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Learn more at www.redtail.org.
