Red Shell Squadron

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Billy Tuggle (@karmaquarius.bsky.social) Writer-performer; teaching artist; Swimming With Elephants author

>:-(

Outrage over US removal of panels honoring Black soldiers in WWII in the Netherlands The American Battle Monuments Commission, the U.S. government agency responsible for maintaining memorial sites outside of the United States, has removed two...

Recently, there has been an uptick in commentary that insinuates that the Tuskegee Airmen were inferior in ability and prowess when it came to their abilities and mission. We need look no further than thorough and balanced research to refute any notion that these pilots were and continue to be outstanding representations of excellence.

The notion that the Tuskegee Airmen were inferior pilots has been thoroughly dismantled by decades of scholarship, most notably by historian Daniel Haulman, one of the foremost authorities on Tuskegee Airmen research. His analysis of training reports, combat records, and official evaluations makes clear that the myth of inferiority was never based on performance. It was rooted entirely in the racial biases of the era.

Haulman’s work shows that the pilots trained at Tuskegee met the same standards as every other Army Air Forces fighter pilot. They completed the same rigorous flight curriculum, passed the same examinations, and were judged by the same metrics. Their combat record demonstrates this clearly. The 332nd Fighter Group flew more than 15,000 sorties, engaged enemy aircraft across multiple theaters, and earned a distinguished record for discipline and mission ex*****on. They received Legions of Merit, Distinguished Flying Crosses, and multiple unit citations. None of this aligns with claims of inferiority.

Several of the most common misconceptions were addressed directly in Haulman’s research. For example, the idea that bomber crews specifically requested es**rts from the 332nd has been misinterpreted over time, but the factual record still shows that the group’s es**rt performance compared favorably with other fighter units. Likewise, the claim that they were given an easier path through training is refuted by the documentation: the washout rate at Tuskegee was consistent with other flight schools, which were all demanding by design.

The persistence of the inferiority myth reflects the conditions of the time, not the capabilities of the Airmen themselves. Haulman’s research underscores a central truth: their excellence was neither symbolic nor exceptional. It was documented, repeatable, and measurable.

The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen is one of proven proficiency, earned respect, and a historical record strong enough to dispel any doubt. Their story reminds us how often assumptions fall apart when examined with evidence rather than prejudice.

As always, RISE ABOVE.

Stay vigilant.

'US Air Force reverses course after removing Tuskegee Airmen video amid Trump DEI ban backlash' - BUT FOR HOW LONG??? Were they afraid that this made The Trump Administration look Racist??? - Historian & National Political Commentator Michael Imhotep founder of The African History Network

Bipartisan criticism and public outcry leads to the reinstatement of a video honoring the heroic Black pilots of World War II, highlighting their enduring legacy in American history.

SOURCE: TheGrio.com

https://thegrio.com/2025/01/27/us-air-force-reverses-course-after-removing-tuskegee-airmen-video-amid-trump-dei-ban-backlash/

What Presidential works like....

In honor of Veterans Day, former President Barack Obama surprised and thanked Korean and Vietnam War veterans that flew in an Honor Flight and had landed in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. Obama shook hands with the veterans as they left the aircraft and gave them a Presidential Challenge Coin, a token to express his personal gratitude for their sacrifices. After the veterans got off the plane, they received a warm welcome. James Nelson, U.S. Air Force veteran, said, "It was really the joy of my heart today to see all these people." The Honor Flight Networks, which flew these vets, is a national nonprofit organization that provides free flights to veterans to visit Washington-area monuments. https://cbsn.ws/4hQI8Eg

As much as fraternal and social groups must acoid politics...
were founded as an honorary International Association of Turtles pond in tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen whom, like the original airmen founders of the , fought nationalist and international tyrany in the name of American freedom and global citizenry. Sacred Meta Ronin Turtles- AHOT First Ronin Billy Tuggle chartered the pond in honor of his great uncle, Lt Shelby Westbrook.
The asks that American servicemen stand committed to their oath to protect the US Constitution, as we are committed to continuing to salute warriors of honor.

Must be early August. Thunderbirds over Chicagoland & Northern Illinois.

Ladies and gentlemen, our official 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ show season schedule!

U.S. Air Force Recruiting U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) United States Air Force Air Combat Command

Michael Dorn, best known as Worf—the stoic, honor-bound Klingon—has a life beyond the bridge of the Enterprise. Off-screen, Dorn is an accomplished aviator with a passion for aviation that rivals his love for acting. His personal fleet has included rare and vintage military aircraft such as the T-33 Shooting Star, T-38 Talon, and the F-86 Sabre, which aviation fans often compare to the P-51 Mustang for its historic legacy and flight prowess. Dorn has flown in formation with elite teams like the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, showcasing his skills in the sky. He’s also deeply involved with the Air Force Aviation Heritage Foundation, serving on its advisory board. His expertise in aviation earned him a featured role in the History Channel’s Modern Marvels episode "Private Jets." Dorn’s dual legacy—both as a Star Trek icon and as a real-life pilot—reflects a rare combination of science fiction fantasy and real-world flight mastery.

Tuskegee is taking flight ✈️🔥 The university just launched a new Aviation Science program at the historic Moton Field, the birthplace of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. 🇺🇸🛩️

Students like Willie Murdock and Vontasia Smith have already completed their first solo flights, calling it an unforgettable and empowering milestone.

With a growing waitlist, this program is opening new doors for Black students — especially women — to soar in aviation. 💫

Happy Juneteenth to the descendants of Tuskegee Airmen; Harlem's Hellfighters; Buffalo Soldiers; and all former captive Africans.
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and the of the International Association of Turtles & Ancient & Honorable Order of Turtles are committed to the original purpose of the founding of this honorary pond: to preserve the history and honor the heroism of the USA's Black fighter pilots and their warrior compatriots.

Pearl Harbor Hero Delisted | Recently Deleted History #shorts 📚 For more American Heros why not check out our series on John Brown here: https://youtu.be/UghaZOr2umU* Watch us ad-free & get 1-week early access on NEBUL...