Tuskegee discussion on MSN

[Steve T]

Hi all--

Happened to notice as I was going online yesterday that MSN was carrying a story on the award of a Congressional medal to the Tuskegee Airmen (as a contiguous group--rather like the award of the George Cross to the populace of Malta as a whole). Took a quick look at the follow-on forum discussion on MSN's "ethnicity" board; rather interesting to see the views on this subject from people who are not Warbird or aviation enthusiasts. I didn't post to it myself (as I am not American it seemed somewhat inappropriate to). Thought it might be of interest to some WIXers...

Cheers

S.

[mustangdriver]

Well, I am not a fan of MSN ever since I saw a pic of a polar bear with a caption that said should he die? As for the other idiots that posted on there, they need to shut their mouths and instead of arguing why we are honoring these men, just say"Thanks you" to them. The media is only out to get a story. Notice how right aways they have to try to make a link to slaves. What does a P-51 pilot have to do with that? Shut up and honor these men while we still have them. You can argue about that s@#$ later.
_________________

[Jack Cook]

Other than the racism of the time, which was brutal of course. I don't feel the combat record of the 332nd FG rates any special attention when compaired to other groups. You must remember that all black air & ground personel are "Tuskee Airmen" whether or not they served in a combat theatre. All got the medal. I don't know, but Pvt John Smith a clerk typist at Tuskeegee AAB getting a Congressional medal doesn't seem right. Sort of the same deal when all Flying Tiger pilots getting DFCs whether or not they actually earned it or actually flew in combat. Blanket awards IMHO are unfair to men who served with valor but recieved no awards.

[mustangdriver]

I can see that Jack. I am talking more abou tthe messaage board that was attached to the article.

[Jack Cook]

All that beings me to wonder about the Mustang and Legends. what makes a "Mustang Legend"? Most of the legend honorees little really achieve greatness has a result of P-51 combat flying. Great men all yes
but Mustang legends . Pattillo brothers, Frank Borman and Lee Archer really can't be classified has Mustang legends can they???

[Randy Haskin]

Sort of the same deal when all Flying Tiger pilots getting DFCs whether or not they actually earned it or actually flew in combat.

Remember, there are DFCs awarded for merit, heroism, and valor (although the heroism and valor categories were recently merged). They don't ALL signify combat action -- you have to read the certificate where it says "Congress has awarded the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Lt Arnold C. Snapdragon for (Extraordinary Achievement, Heroism, Valor) while participating in aerial flight".

[Jack Cook]

Hi Randy,
You're correct and I understand the DFC award has with the Bronze Star, Comm Medal and Achievement Medals comes with or without a 'Combat V'. During WWII there was no distinction of the DFC and maybe started around VN.
My example of the AVG's DFC was that it was simply a blanket award where everyone honorably discharged recieved a DFC if he had a pair of wings. Examples are Ed Conant who wrecked 5 planes in training before being transfered to a staff position and Curt Smith of the 3rd sqd who ran from his only combat on 12-23-41 leaving his friends in his prop wash 2 of whom died in the ensuing fight. He was transfered to the HQ staff and recieved a honorable discharge and a heros welcome home. His DFC award lessens the worth of those awarded to those who actually fought and especially those who fought and died.

[EDowning]

Jack wrote:

Examples are Ed Conant who wrecked 5 planes in training before being transfered to a staff position and Curt Smith of the 3rd sqd who ran from his only combat on 12-23-41 leaving his friends in his prop wash 2 of whom died in the ensuing fight. He was transfered to the HQ staff and recieved a honorable discharge and a heros welcome home.

How in the world do you keep track of all that stuff? I can barely keep track of what we are doing on which airplane a week at a time. Is all of that historical detail available in WWII books or is it info you have personally researched?

I guess when it comes to that level of detail, I'm kind of a dim

[Jack Cook]

How in the world do you keep track of all that stuff? I can barely keep track of what we are doing on which airplane a week at a time. Is all of that historical detail available in WWII books or is it info you have personally researched?

Not sure if it's a gift or a curse. In the Navy one of my Chief's jokingly referred to me has a fountain of useless facts and information.
Do you need a MO

[bdk]

Report: Tuskegee Airmen Lost 25 Bombers

http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/04/01/625071.html

[6trn4brn]

I have to agree with what mustangdriver said in that why can't we all just let these old men bask in a little glory? What is so wrong with that? After they are all dead and gone, then do what you must to tarnish their record. I think it is pathetic to see anyone do anything derogatory to an elderly person such as the disgusting video of the gutless wonder attacking a 101 year old woman that has been all over TV for the past few weeks. To see any elderly people being awarded for doing a fine job during WWII is OK by me any day.