The Tuskegee Airmen

In World War II, Hannibal 'Iowa' Lee Jr. and fellow African-American cadets arrive at Tuskegee Army Air Field to begin flight training. They are briefed by base leaders who acknowledge the challenge of earning pilots' wings amid prejudice. The cadets confront the era's belief that Black pilots cannot serve with distinction.

Major Joy orders the cadets to retake their flight exams to probe potential cheating. Walter Peoples reveals his commercial pilot license, adding both tension and credibility to the group. Colonel Rogers confirms that every cadet scored at least 95% on the retests, challenging Joy's suspicions.

The cadets begin hands-on flight training in PT-17 aircraft with experienced instructors. They learn core piloting skills, discipline, and teamwork as they progress through the early stages of aviation school. The cohort includes Lee, Peoples, Johns, and Cappy, all focused on proving themselves.

Cadet Lewis Johns and his instructor die when Johns fails to recover from a stall, a devastating setback for the group. The tragedy shakes the cadets and prompts some to reconsider continuing the program. The incident underscores the dangers of pilot training.

In the wake of the crash, cadet Leroy 'Cappy' attempts to quit, but Lee and Peoples persuade him to persevere. Their support strengthens the unit's resolve and keeps the training on track. The decision helps preserve the cadre's morale.

Lee and Peoples are allowed to solo in the AT-6, marking a key milestone in their training. Lieutenant Glenn shares his combat background, revealing he fought in the Battle of Britain with the Royal Canadian Air Force. The mentors' experiences provide a visible pathway to real combat leadership.

In a later solo session, Peoples defeats Lee in a mock dogfight, demonstrating his skill and nerve. He celebrates with unauthorized aerobatic maneuvers, which leads to his removal from the training program. The incident highlights the severity of discipline within the program.

Peoples pleads for forgiveness but remains unable to stay in the program under Major Joy's authority. To avoid public disgrace, he seizes control of an AT-6 and crashes it deliberately, killing himself. The tragedy deeply unsettles the cadets and shifts the group's dynamic.

The cadets graduate as second lieutenants, but racist barriers delay their deployment to combat theaters. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visits the base, inspects the facilities, and flies with Lee, sparking positive media coverage. The visit signals a turning point toward real opportunities for the cadets.

Thanks to the favorable press, the unit is deployed to North Africa as the 99th Pursuit Squadron. They face lingering racism in Congress that threatens their combat role, but the unit persists and earns a place in action. The stage is set for their first real air battles.

The 99th Pursuit Squadron relocates to Ramitelli, Italy to escort Boeing B-17 bombers over Europe. They are initially assigned ground-attack duties, but their combat effectiveness soon becomes evident in escort roles. The unit proves its value in protecting heavy bombers.

During a mission, Lee and Billy Roberts sink a German destroyer and rescue a straggling B-17 crew. Roberts is shot down on a later mission, underscoring the risks the Tuskegee Airmen faced. Lee is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and promoted to captain for his actions.

The 332nd is assigned to escort duties for a planned raid on Berlin, demonstrating the trust they have earned with heavy bombers. The pilots’ success begins to break down wartime prejudice about Black aviators. The decision cements their role in long-range escort missions.

A House Armed Services Committee hearing examines the Tuskegee experiment, with some claims of incompetence challenged by evidence and testimony. General Benjamin O. Davis defends the pilots, arguing that the charges are unfounded. The hearing helps pave the way for the expanded all-black 332nd Fighter Group.