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On this page I have posted some of your inspirational comments and stories that you have unselfishly and honestly shared with me after reading "A Tribute to my Father". I thoroughly enjoy receiving your email, and forward the messages to my Father who has a wonderful time reminiscing and learning about other peoples experiences. He has even become reacquainted with old friends through posted messages. Please keep the comments coming! I receive a lot of email, so the newest additions are posted on this page. Older messages are archived and make for exciting reading and research. Click on different sections to view subsequent Tuskegee Archives. If you do not want your message posted, please let me know in your email. Thanks!

• Please don't EVER take this website down!!! Thank You! W. Jonathan McCoy 
• A great tribute to your father. My dad was a B-24 pilot with the 461st Bomb Group near Cerignola, Italy. As a youngster, I remember that Dad didn't seem to carry the racial prejudices that most others of his generation did. Later in life we talked about that. He was escorted by the "Red Tails" on numerous occasions and said he came to the conclusion that blacks could not possibly be inferior to whites, as he was always told, and fly like they did. Two comments I specifically remember from him were: "Man, those guys were REAL pros!" and "Whenever we knew they would escort us, we always breathed easier, knowing it would be a smooth trip." My personal thanks to the men from Tuskegee. Could be that my dad made it home because of their excellent work! 
• Dear Ms. Douglass, Wow. Of course, I claim I knew all about the Tuskegee men long before they became media icons, but you gave me a new perspective. These guys--your father--were standing up for a society that denied them basic rights, in the hope--the mere hope--that the ideals they fought for would be realized at home. They were right in that hope, and in their faith in America. We've got a long way to go, but we'll get there. God bless you for helping things along.
• Ms Douglass, I am a 35 year old White Male from Birmingham,Alabama.I grew up watching old war movies about WWII,and the many obstacles that our armed forces had to overcome,and the high price that they had to pay for victory. I am ashamed to admit though,that until a few years ago,I had never heard the full story of "The Tuskegee Airmen",with me living in the same state as these Great men. I just watched "The Tuskegee Airmen" for the first time,I just wanted to tell you and your Father how proud and thankful I am of him for our 'Freedom' that he so unselfishly defended,and for the accomplishments that he has made in his life. I live for the day when prejudice will only be a word found in the dictionary.You have been so informative on your webpage,well done. Thank You. E.Gravitt
• Ms. Douglass: I just left the Tribute website and wanted pay my own tribute to your father. But first let me explain that I am a 65 year old white individual who has some memories of WW II: freight trains passing with loads of tanks, artillery and ammunition so long and so heavy that several engines were needed to haul the cars; military uniforms everywhere you looked; and most of all, the roar of planes overhead: P-38s, P-47s, B-17s and B-24s. It was the bombers I noted with the most interest because my brother was a tail gunner in a B-17. In 1944 he would be stationed in Foggia, Italy where he flew some forty missions over France and Germany, including Munich and Berlin. There is every possibility that your father flew escort for my brother's squadron, and since the Tuskegee Airmen never lost a bomber it is also possible he saved my brother's life. But whether he did or not, your father and those who flew with him were heroes who deserved a lot more from America than they received. Growing up I knew nothing of what they had done. Today, thank God, the story has been told and is finally a part of this nation's great history. Dan Summerfield 
• I wish to thank you for this wonderful page. I am a 38 year old White Male whom has served this country in the US Navy. My Grandfather, my Uncle, My Mother and father we were all navy. I was stationed onboard the Aircraft Carrier USS America for 8 years. The movie, the book and this site has done so much for me to understand how our country treated these men and women because of Color. For showing me the true meaning of respect and commitments I wish to thank you. I am now the Commander of the American Legion Post 52 in Boonville, Missouri. We have several WWII African American Members whom I am honored to call my friends. For them and the Men you wrote about I feel honored to be here because of there fight for me and my family and our country during the time of war. Respectfully, J. Christopher Waterfield
• Hello Phyllis: I found your webpage both informative and deeply moving. I came upon my interest in the Tuskegee airmen in a roundabout way. I recently bought a jacket from someone on Ebay which is made by the company Avirex, which specializes in reproductions of historically significant leather jackets worn by US servicemen in history. The Tuskegee Airmen jacket I bought commemorates men like your father that served in those all-black fighter units. A lot of history for an article of clothing! I am an Asian American man in my forties, of Chinese ancestry, and the story of the Airmen reminds me of the story of the 442nd regiment of Japanese American soldiers during World War II. These men faced similar indignites and the irony of many of them being locked up in concentration camps for no other reason than their Japanese race - many of them citizens by birth - who were among the most decorated of regiiments fighitng for the US in the European theater. There are thousands of such stories of people of color who gave their lives or sacrificed so much to fight for this country, only to be slapped down by racism at home! Best of luck to you and your family and thank you for sharing your father's heroism and legacy with us all. My best, Todd Lee, Massachusetts.
• Tonight I visited your web site and enjoyed it very much, and felt impelled to share a story I recently heard about the Tuskegee Airmen. So the story will have meaning, I will give you a little background. I am 63, white, originally from the South and of course was not involved in WWII. Both my father and uncle did fight in the war landing at Normandy, and serving to end of the war. I have always been interested in history and of the WWII. I am extremely impressed and have great admiration for the Tuskegee airmen, and as you and many other have so correctly stated, not only did they have to fight the Germans but also the stupidity of racism in the service. I have seen the movie dozens of time and in fact own a copy, and while Hollywood generally has a tendency to overstate things, I believe the movie is pretty accurate, especially about their accomplishments. They were and are great men and this country needs to be proud of them.
• Now on to the story. My uncle is 90 and during a recent birthday celebration, I met his brother-in-law who was a B-24 pilot during the war and served in Italy. During the evening, he had many war stories to tell. Knowing that the Tuskegee airmen had fought from bases in Italy, I asked him what he could recall about these famous fighters. This is his true story: Returning from a bombing mission, his plane was low on fuel and he had to land at one of the Tuskegee airmen bases in Italy, where he and his crew spent the night. His exact words were "I have never met a better bunch of fellow in my life." He said that he and his crew were treated like kings. He also said that he would be proud to live next door to any one of these men. Those comments made me feel good and showed that this 80+ year old veteran from the south had great respect for these men. Conversely to the way movies portray people from the south (not that a lot of it isn't deserved) there are many southerners, past and present, who have deep respect and admiration for these courageous airmen, such as your father. May the remaining Tuskegee airmen continue to have the respect and honor they earned. Regards, C. Urick
• Dear Ms. Douglass, Greetings and salutations. I am James Howard Scott. I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed your website. My first cousin, Lewis C. Smith was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen of the 99th. The "C" was for Curtis, but we called him, "Junior", and (of course" he as my hero. I later went on to become a Navy "airdale" in the early Viet Nam Era. I always wanted to fly with him, but it never happened. He died about three years ago in Bellvue, Washington, where he had retired with his devoted wife, Ruth. His service was held at Arlington National Cemetary, in Virginia. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget. His casket was carried by a casson with a horse tethered to the rear (with boots backwards in the stirrups). The drum and bugle corps marched in slow motion behind, followed by the family limosines and a honor guard platoon pulling up the rear. It took quite awhile to go through the forest, down the winding road to the area for the internment. When we arrived, there were platoons from each of the branches of the armed services. It was an awesome tribute for a great warrior who served his country well. He had many successful missions, with quite a few kills. He was later shot down over Italy, and taken as POW. Of course, he escaped, but was re-captured when his long legs were seen sticking out of the bushes while he was sleeping (exhausted from running). He went on to serve his country with a career in the United States Air Force; and later in the Foreign Department as a "spook" (no pun intended). I will always treasure my memories of times spent with Curtis, Jr. He continues to be an inspiration in my life, and I tell my 18 year old son, Alex, about him all the time. Alex knows all about the P51 Mustangs that he flew, and of the missions he went on in the service of his country. I thank you for the wonderful work that you have done to commemorate your father and the brave pilots of the Tuskegee Airmen. God bless you and yours.
• Dear Ms. Douglass, I appreciated your narrative about your father's service in World War II and the irony of fighting for one's country while still suffering from discrimination. The service our parents rendered to the world in that time grows more remarkable as I get older. I try to understand it from history books and try to get a feel for it from theatrical productions. The stories about the real people who had to live through it are the most compelling of all. Thank you for making it available. I hope you still have your father and that he is enjoying all the blessings of life. Please convey to him my thanks for the service he rendered in providing his succeeding generations with the foundations of peace and prosperity that we enjoy today. Sincerely, Dan Wallach
• Ms. Douglas: I just happened upon your Web page tribute to your father, and wanted you to know that I read it with tears in my eyes. I have five children, and would go to my grave happily if I knew that just one of them shared the feelings you obviously have for your Dad. Bless you. Ms. Douglas: I just happened upon your Web page tribute to your father, and wanted you to know that I read it with tears in my eyes. I have five children, and would go to my grave happily if I knew that just one of them shared the feelings you obviously have for your Dad. Bless you.
• Dear Phyllis, How proud you must be of your father, and how honored I am to be writing to the daughter of one of the most remarkable fighter groups in World War II. My father was in WWII, and was a tank commander under General Patton. Even they knew of the Tuskegee Airmen. You can't believe the impact your father and his fellow pilots had on those who served during WWII, and now, hopefully, on those who have such a hatred of the black people. When I first saw the movie Tuskegee Airmen, I cried, and felt very ashamed to be a "white" person. It has always been instilled in me by my parents, that in God's eyes, we are all equal. I just can't begin to tell you of my sorrow for the way your father and all other African Americans have been treated. Yes, there were white heroes during WWII, but they never had to go through the trials and tribulations that your father and his fellow pilots had to endure. I have been an avid WWII "nut" all my life, and have always been fascinated by the beautiful aircraft of that era. Now, my 6 year old son, is following in my footsteps, and is also fascinated by them. What a thrill it must have been for your father to have flown the "Cadillac" of the sky! There is indeed, no sound like it in the world!! I am proud to have had your father, and those who risked their lives along with him, fight for our great country, so those of us who came along after, could remain free. It is an honor, God bless you, and your father, and thank you for allowing my thoughts to come to you. With respect, Marty Potts
• Phyllis, I just recently visited your website, ie, the tribute to your father, of the Tuskegee Airmen, and I want to tell you, it is most inspiring. A beautiful work of art. I just wanted to tell you, I am inspired by his sacrifices, and am indebted to he, as well as his comrades. Also, I wish, if I could, apologize for all the wrongs done he and his comrades, not only during the war, but especially when they returned, by the white population. I cannot do this. There will always be stupid people on this earth, that think that just because a person has more melanin in their skin, or there eyes don't look exactly like "ours", etc, I'm sure you've heard it all before. I am only 2nd generation American- my grandfather having been born in Kilmarnock, Scotland. The Scots suffered similar,and just as degrading situations, as the African-Americans and the Native Americans have, in the fact that they were considered 'untermensch' ( a German word meaning subhuman) by the English. Anyway, I'm sure you have heard of the "Croftings". If you haven't, well, I don't blame you, it has been obliterated from English history as has all the other injustices. Sorry, I have rambled on so much here, again, thank you for your informative site, I really enjoyed it. Yours, William Fleming. (A pink-skinned Scottish American catholic heterosexual) P.S. I have, in my long life so far, been fortunate enough to claim many African-Americans, Spanish Americans, Native Americans, Jews, Protestants, Catholics and yes, even a homosexual or two, (male & female) as my friends. I don't care what color ones skin is, or what their religious or sexual preferences are. All I know is, that one time or another they were, and by the grace of God, still- my friends! 
• Dear Ms. Douglass, Please accept my compliments for your outstanding web site about your father. My dad was in the Pacific theater during the war. He went from the rank of Private to Regimental Sergeant Major within two years. He retired from the Army in 1988 as a Colonel. He never spoke much about his experiences for obvious reasons . This same policy applied to his friends. We could talk about anything, even parlor jokes, but never war experiences. It wasn't until 1969 that my mom found out that he'd been shot in the leg. The reason she found out at all was I saw a dime sized scar on his shin and asked him what caused it. He never wore shorts again after that. After the war, Pop became a dentist and practiced in Des Moines, IA. One of Pop's best friends here was also a dentist who had been a B-17 waist gunner in Europe. At lunch one day, I was asking him about his flight experiences as I was wanting to be a pilot. What kid didn't want to fly? This was around 1976, just after Viet Nam ended. He mentioned that I should study the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and even named the units. I almost remember his words exact words: "When we saw the red tails, we knew we were coming home. We didn't relax, but we knew nobody was going to get through them." So, the real purpose of my letter is to offer a long overdue Thank You to your Dad for a friend of mine. Another guy from Iowa whom he safely brought home a lifetime ago. Again, you have an outstanding site Ms. Douglass. I wish you and your family well. All good wishes, Michael O. R. Jackson 
• Hi there, Just wanted to commend you on your sincere dedication to your father who served so bravely in WW2. Its hard to believe that Black men who served and fought in the skies and on the battlefields of the second world war were treated so harshly by the very people they were supposed to be allied with. Its a shameful chapter in American history. However, I hope that everyone like myself, who honor veterans no matter what color or creed will recognize the sacrifice that Black Americans made in WW2 and all wars for that matter. My grandfather, a White man, served in an infantry unit in the Pacific island campaign and I once asked him about why Blacks were not allowed to serve with his unit. He told me he never understood why and that they were just as capable as anyone else. It was refreshing to know that, even back then, he recognized the racial problem that existed. Great site, good job! Chris 
• Dear Ms. Douglass: My intention is to write to you about your Father, and the Tuskegee Air Men. As I read some of the letters that were written to you my feelings of being ashamed of my country were so deep with in my heart. The movie brings tears to my eyes, anger through my veins, and yet the goose bumps that conquer my body when you realize what these men did for us in the face of two enemies...I get sick to my stomach just thinking of what was done to these great brave men. They put in the dictionary, what the meanings to the words, HERO, PRIDE, BRAVERY, ADVERSITY, truly are. There are also other stories of disgusting shame that was put upon Black service men, the regiment from Massachusetts, back in the Civil war. I hold these men with in my heart as I know they gave their lives for freedom, freedom which they were never given completely. With great appreciation, I thank your father and the Tuskegee Air Men for fighting for my rights.... Thank You, Brian J. McGonagle 
• Dear Ms. Douglas: Web-surfing tonight I happened upon your accounts of your father and the Tuskegee Airmen. I don't know what brought me to your page. Perhaps it was because I was watching a rerun on TV of The Tuskegee Airmen the other day. Let me start by saying I am white, 50+ etc., but I have always been so overwhelmed ( I think that would be a good word) by the contributions of so many black Americans during WW2 (and other wars) which to a large extent have gone unrecognized. I think TV's attempt to educate us about the Tuskegee Airmen is a small step in the right direction. My father, deceased for several years now, was also an airman in WW2. He was a waist-gunner on a B-24 with the US 8th Air Force, 446th Bombardment Group, completing 30 combat missions over Nazi Germany from 43-44. His bomb group was escorted by fighters such as what your father flew. My dad's B-24 was hit on his 11th mission by a FW-190 over Gemany, but they made it back over the Channel when they had to bail out. The pilot and tail gunner were casualties, and my dad said the bailing-out was the scariest thing that ever happened to him in his life. Anyway, like you, I am the child of a WW2 airman. I think you did a good job of recounting some of the history of the 99th Squadron and the 332nd FG, and I just wanted to say that, even though we don't make a loud enough noise, there's a lot of us white people out here that know the contributions your dad and others made. I love the quote you used about his black ancestors, and German ancestors, and Cherokee ancestors. I wish we all could realize that all the time. Anyway, ....they were good. Damn good. You have every right to be so proud. Thank you for your story, and thanks to your dad. Sincerely, Jerry Dupuy
• Hello, I am proud of the "Red Tails" and their combat endeavors in Europe for the cause of freedom. I wish I could thank each pilot and crew for a job well done. Thank you for maintaining this site.I am proud to be an American because of the Tuskegee Airmen! Respectfully yours, Chuck VanZant, Former Sgt. USAF, 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Jet Engine Mechanic/F100's/OV-10's., Bien Hoa, South Vietnam 1969-70
• Phyllis my name is Ben Preston. The website that tells the your father's story is so outstanding and inspirational.You have the right to be proud but your father is in so many ways is a father to us all.In what way you ask? Let me tell you.The main job of a parent is to provide guidance and direction to make a difference in the life of their child.Because of your father's story he is making a difference in many lives.He is teaching that when things were very difficult in many ways for him he over came difficulty with accomplishment.What a strong message to teach.His story is loud and clear if I did it and I did then you do it if the passion to succeed is greater than fear of failure.As a black American I feel very proud.As an American I feel honored .May the Lord bless and protect your family. 
• Dear Mrs. Douglass: Thank you so much for publishing your father's story on the Internet. It's so very important for the contributions of these men, and so many other men and women, whatever their color or creed, to be recognized and honored and revered. I was so delighted when I saw that a movie, The Tuskegee Airmen, had been made. I had been aware of the Tuskegee program for many years and couldn't wait to see the movie when it came out. I purchased my own copy of the film and have watched it and the television broadcasts of it several times over. My heart hurts when I see the depictions of prejudice, which I am certain are mild by comparison to what actually and continually took place. On the other hand, my eyes fill up and my heart beats proudly when I see what those remarkable young men overcame and how they succeeded in doing what no other group of fighter pilots had ever done in protecting their charges---who, as you point out, were at least sometimes indignant and ungrateful for that protection simply because black pilots happened to be at the controls. This attitude baffles me, especially when their planes were preserved and their very lives were saved by others who risked, and laid down, their own lives for the survival of others regardless of praise or thanks. Did you happen to see the movie October Sky? It's about another group of boys who dared to act on their dreams to build rockets after the Sputnik launch in the late '50s in the coal mining country of West Virginia. One of the supporting characters had to dodge an early rocket prototype gone awry. When the "rocket boys" (as they are called in the film) apologized for the near miss, he replied that dodging this rocket was no problem as he had been with the Red Tails and had faced worse than that. I excitedly nudged the teenagers who were with me and asked if they knew who the Red Tails were. When they replied they didn't, I wanted to be sure to remember to educate them after the movie so they would know what a significant reference that was. Thank you again for your work to have the story of the Tuskegee Airmen available to those "who have eyes to see and ears to hear." I honor those men and their sacrifices and skills with all of my heart as well as all of the others who labored and honorably served our country. Warmly, Sue Pehrson, Salt Lake City, Utah