Former Tuskegee Airmen recount battles – in air and on the ground

By Lindsay Larin • October 1, 2009 1:18 pm
Lt. Col. Edward P. Drummond Jr. (left) and Lt. Col. William H. Holloman III were members of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II.
Lt. Col. Edward P. Drummond Jr. (left) and Lt. Col. William H. Holloman III were members of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II.

Lt. Col. William H. Holloman III and Lt. Col. Edward P. Drummond Jr. made history during the 1940s as two of the hundreds of men who served as America’s first black military airmen. Commonly referred to as Tuskegee Airmen, the men fought two wars at the time – World War II and the war against racial segregation.

Now retired from the Air Force, both men have dedicated their lives to sharing the pivotal role African-American’s played in the history of aviation. Recently, they were invited by the Bellevue Overlake Rotary to speak on their experience as Tuskegee Airmen.

From 1941 through 1946, more than 900 pilots graduated at Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAAF) in Tuskegee, Alabama. Holloman flew P-51’s with the 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, during early 1945 and was later the first black helicopter pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

“What was so unique about our experience back then, was that the war department expected us to fail,” Holloman explained. “When the first squadron was formed, no one wanted blacks in combat. We worked hard to prove to them that we could get the job done.”

The role of Tuskegee Airmen during war times, explained, was primarily to act as an escort for the U.S. bombers.

“We were nicknamed the Red Tails because the tails of our planes were painted bright red,” Holloman said. “Whoever thought that was a good idea has never flown through enemy air,” he joked.

Drummond, Holloman’s friend, LT. Col. Drummond, entered the last class of pilots to train at the Tuskegee Army Air Field and went on to dedicate 25 years of his adult life to the United States Air Force, retiring in 1970.

“We share our story, not just for the historical impact, but also to help raise funds for scholarships,” explained Drummond, a member of the Sam Bruce Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. The Seattle Chapter is named after Sam Bruce, a Garfield High School graduate who was shot down over Sicily in 1942. Sam Bruce Chapter members visit different schools and organizations, raising awareness and funds in support of local students.

“We were given an opportunity back then to prove ourselves,” he said, adding, “We want to offer that same opportunity to any student who has a true desire to learn.”

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.