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Original Tuskegee Airman Visits Shaw AFB

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Tony Richardson
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Individuals rarely have the opportunity to brush shoulders with people of great historical significance.

Friday, Shaw Airmen did just that.

An original Tuskegee Airman, Dr. Leroy Bowman, attended the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. luncheon at the Carolina Skies Club, sponsored by the Shaw black heritage committee.

"I appreciated the reception of Shaw's Airmen," Dr. Bowman said. "Shaw's response and their military members are the finest I have ever seen. I also enjoyed the company of General McDew and his lovely wife."

Staff Sgt. Tyrone Thompson, president of the Shaw black heritage committee, was extremely grateful for Dr. Bowman's presence.

"It is hard to put into words just how grateful we are that Dr. Bowman was able to attend," Sergeant Thompson stated. "These guys (the original Tuskegee Airmen) are slowly fading away. They paved the way for minorities in the military, so being able to help continue their legacy is truly an honor."

A native of Sumter, Dr. Bowman attended Morris College, and graduated in 1940. He joined the Army Air Corps in September 1941, where he would eventually be assigned to Tuskegee Army Air Field. After training under the legendary Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., he fought extensively over Italy and Germany. Dr. Bowman flew 36 successful combat missions against the German Luftwaffe escorting American bombers to and from their targets.

After completing his military obligations, Dr. Bowman eventually moved to New York, where he worked as a teacher, principal and administrative assistant to the superintendent of schools. After 28 years in education, Dr. Bowman retired and moved back to his hometown. Tuskegee University honored Dr. Bowman with an honorary doctorate degree for public service Feb. 23, 2006.

Along with 300 fellow Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Bowman was presented the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal March 29, 2007, in recognition for their heroism during World War II. The specially-designed medal is the highest honor Congress awards civilians.

The Tuskegee Airmen, as they came to be known, were part of a military experiment to train black pilots and support staff. In theater, their aircraft were identified by their red tail flash. The "Red Tails" hold the distinction of being the only fighter group credited with never losing a bomber to enemy aircraft, which is still a record. Based upon their success, historians agree the Tuskegee Airmen paved the way for desegregation and equality within the military.