Wings of Change: Stories of the Tuskegee Airmen

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American pilots to serve in the U.S. military.

These brave men didn’t just fly planes; they made history by proving they were just as skilled and courageous as any other pilot. Their achievements helped push the U.S. military to acknowledge their equality and eventually led to the desegregation of the armed forces.

Check out the video below to hear their incredible story.

While most of the Tuskegee Airmen aren’t around today, many wrote books and gave interviews, so we can still learn from their experiences.

In this lesson, you’ll get to meet some of these heroes.

As you listen to each airman's story, take notes on the Tuskegee Airmen Stories Chart found under the Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar.

Don’t forget—you can pause the videos to write down your answers!

Lt. Colonel Robert J. Friend

Watch Lt. Col. Robert J. Friend share his journey as a Tuskegee Airman, starting with his training in the Civilian Pilot Training Program in 1939. He flew in the 332nd Fighter Group, initially segregated but later integrated with white pilots.

Friend recounts his first combat missions, including being shot at on a "fighter sweep" and the loss of several fellow pilots.

Despite the dangers, flying became routine for him, and he reflects on how he once felt invincible, only realizing later the fragility of life in the service.

Lt. Colonel Lee A. Archer

Listen to the story of Lt. Colonel Lee A. Archer, one of the first Black aviators in the U.S. military, who joined the Army in 1941. Initially rejected for pilot training because of his race, Archer was later accepted into a new program at Tuskegee Army Airfield in 1942, where he graduated first in his class.

He served in the 332nd Fighter Group during World War II, earning the nickname "the Gruesome Twosome" alongside Wendell Pruitt for their successful attacks on Nazi planes.

Archer went on to serve as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, proving that race does not determine a pilot’s ability and paving the way for future African American aviators.

Lt. Colonel George Hardy

Watch as Lt. Col. George Hardy, a Tuskegee Airman, reflects on his experiences during World War II, including the segregation he faced in both the military and in daily life. He recalls fighting for freedom abroad while also battling inequality at home.

Hardy flew 21 combat missions in Europe and 70 more during the Vietnam War. Despite facing hardships, he helped pave the way for a better, more inclusive America.

Hardy’s story is one of perseverance, showing that even in the face of adversity, the Tuskegee Airmen proved their worth and paved the way for future generations.

• Did you take notes while watching the videos?

If not, finish the note-taking chart now! You’ll need this info for the next part of the lesson.

When ready, head to the Got It? section to review what you’ve learned!