After Making History, Witnessing History

CBS Evening News: Tuskegee Airman Broke Racial Barriers Before Barack Obama Was Born

(CBS)  CBS Evening News is looking at different people and events on the "Road to the Inauguration." When Barack Obama becomes President next week, he'll be a living testament to the generations of African-Americans who paved the way. CBS News correspondent Michelle Miller has the story of one history-maker who's ready to witness history again.

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At 86 years old, Roscoe Brown still fits into the flying jacket he wore decades ago.

"The jacket I flew in when I was in Berlin shooting down jet planes," Brown said.

Next week he'll be in Washington, D.C., an honored guest at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.

"To go for the inauguration of the first African-American president that we like to think we helped make possible is really very, very exciting," he said.

He's talking about being part of the first all-black flying unit more than 60 years ago. They're about 1,000 pilots known today as the Tuskegee Airmen.

"Even though the war department had issued a study back in 1925 that said that Negroes didn't have the intelligence or the character or the leadership to be in combat units, we proved that we did," he said.

Their job was to escort bombers and guard them from enemy fighters. But even in combat, the military was segregated. So they also had to fight prejudice from the same white pilots they were protecting.

Brown explains one incident: "One of the pilots from the deep south said he wasn't going to sleep with any Negroes and he's going to sleep in the plane. But then when it got to be about 10 degrees his basic needs overcame his prejudice and he knocked on the door saying, 'can I come in?'"

The Germans never shot down a bomber the Tuskegee Airmen were defending.

Their accomplishments helped force the integration of the military. Next week, the military will answer to its first African-American commander-in-chief.

All of the roughly 330 surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen have been invited to President-elect Obama's swearing in.

If Brown could give president elect Barack Obama one piece of advice what would it be?

"Be yourself," he said. "He has all the skills and ability to do it, just be yourself, and we'll watch your back."

Given the record of the Tuskegee Airmen, that's no empty promise.

[bonne01]

Hi Michelle.
Need to do better research. It''s long been corrected that the Tuskegee Airmen lost bombers ,at least 25 by their own count and there are other legitimate sources that long ago put that myth to rest.You do a disservice to them,the public, and mostly the truth...I wonder if I''ll see a correction on tomorrow nights news ?

[bonne01]

Hi Michelle.
Need to do better research. It''s long been corrected that the Tuskegee Airmen lost bombers ,at least 25 by their own count and there are other legitimate sources that long ago put that myth to rest.You do a disservice to them,the public, and mostly the truth...I wonder if I''ll see a correction on tomorrow nights news ?

Facts,
Bonne

[barbaram99]

I am glad we will have our first black presidend. I am white and that is meaning less, Blacks,women, handicapped don''t have to prove. I heard him talk the man with a different name, I told my friend Obama is smart. Thanks to all the vets, Sir enjoy this honour, and yep I am prond ,

[opedanderson]

I am happy a black man is going to be President. I am a white man who thinks it is long overdue.

But here is a non-PC little piece of trivia that most African-Americans won''t aknowledge. His family history does not reflect those of most of you. He does not descend from slaves. In that way, I have more in common with him than you do....

[brianbwb-2009]

"But here is a non-PC little piece of trivia that most African-Americans won''''t aknowledge. His family history does not reflect those of most of you. He does not descend from slaves. In that way, I have more in common with him than you do..." Posted by opedanderson

You might be surprised at how many of us do recognize the fact, and while celebrating and savoring this victory fully as the major turning point in our war against American apartheid, nonetheless we still realize that we have yet to elect a "Black" person whose generations know the weight of oppression, as opposed to first-generation (glad to be here, Boss) Black people, like Colin "I ain''t that Black" Powell, and Barack "Maui Wowie" Obama.

The new day is indeed dawning but the sun has yet to emerge fully from the night.

[irmcvet971]

These Brave Men helped me decide as a Young Freshman in College to get on a Bus and ride to Alabama to stop the Crimes against Humanity taking place there. The Courage these Men showed in the face of hate and Bigotry from their OWN Country is simply AMAZING!

[irmcvet971]

But here is a non-PC little piece of trivia that most African-Americans won''''t aknowledge. His family history does not reflect those of most of you. He does not descend from slaves. In that way, I have more in common with him than you do....

Posted by opedanderson at 10:43 PM : Jan 12, 2009

IF you''d EVER confronted the Bigotry and HATE shown by SOME, you would NEVER say such a thing. To those who wear the Hoods and Sheets in their hearts they could care LESS if his Parents were Slaves. Take my word for it Sparky, they would Lynch him just as quickly as they have beaten People from South America. There is LITTLE doubt that Obama has and continues to face Racist and Bigots EVERY SINGLE day ignores the post on these boards... so NO he does NOT have more in common with you than his OWN Race in this nation. If you think otherwise, try walking in HIS shoes.

[hambonehd]

Everyone forgets or seems to not want to mention, the man is bi-racial.

[catherine195]

I saw this gentleman, a very proud surviving member of the Tuskeegee Airmen, on the news last night. Despite the fact that I''m a white female, I COULD NOT have felt more proud of him and this group myself! The tears rolled down my face as I watched this. Could you even just imagine HIS pride, the fact that he and I''m sure a few others are indeed still alive to yet be a part of the great history in the making on January 20 - how appropo to take place just the day after MLK Day!

[antoniof123]

Everyone forgets or seems to not want to mention, the man is bi-racial.
Posted by hambonehd at 08:28 AM : Jan 13, 2009

Who cares he is an American in fact I think he is a ture American. What this country really needs right now not some hate group telling us lies.

[shortyinmo]

I am very proud of, and love this country. I am bi-racial. However I am an even "rarer" minority. I am Amerasian. Abandon by a white father, and unaccepted by an asian mother and community. But this is not my pity party. I feel very privilaged to be here making a living and having a wonderful life now.

Let''s cut the bull. Native Americans, Amerasians, whatever. This country is more than black and white. I am proud of how far we have come and I am glad that "Obama''s people" finally got their "justice". Let''s not miss the point though, this person had better be able to govern his country. It''s easy to be on top and loved one day, but lets see how it is 4 years from now.

Remember this country is the MELTING POT that means there are more than 2 races, ethnicities, etc. here. Ofcourse we could all just go back where we came from and late the Native peoples have their land back....

[irmcvet971]

Who cares he is an American in fact I think he is a ture American. What this country really needs right now not some hate group telling us lies.

Posted by antoniof123 at 10:44 AM : Jan 13, 2009

Yep! We have lived with the Blame and Excuse Garbage long enough. We''ve lived with those who sit around dreaming up Wedge Issues to prevent us from focusing on what is REALLY important. Excited? Never in my 60 years have I been MORE excited AND PROUD of what WE as a Nation have done.

[elramees]

Michelle, thanks for this story. It''s refreshing for the Bible says, "He (she), who refreshes, shall be refreshed."
Signed, Onthewall

[usclimey]

Finally we have a president who appreciates the history of this country as opposed to one who can''t even spell the word.

[bjo1109]

I''m sick of the "historic" election, inaguration, and all of the surrounding hoopla. Especially since the election insisted it was not about race---but why is it "historic"? Because Obama is black! Why is this man proud? Because Obama is black! He is not American first; he is black first. But it''s not about race? Give me a break.

[bjo1109]

Posted by bjo1109 at 01:24 PM : Jan 13, 2009
So go ahead and get sick, then! I am sick of all the people, thank God they are a minority, who claim that this great nation never made the significant progress it has indeed made. This nation, great though it may be, suffered under hundreds of years of slavery only to be followed by at least a century of severe racial oppression. The struggle was difficult and painful but we made it, made it so well, that a man who would not be allowed to vote just a generation ago, is now our nation''''s president. If you cannot see that you are either bigotted or stupid or perhaps both.


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I am neither bigoted or stupid; perhaps you are, since you are making unfounded assumptions about me.

I never denied our country''s history or the struggles we have ALL been through. I am just tired of having to act apologetic for things that took place long before I was born. I have never ascribed to bigotry, prejudice, or any other form of racial bias, (although I have experienced prejudice and discrimination many times, as has just about every person on earth), and I will not accept that I have to feel guilty.

So please, do not bash me just because you do not like what I say. You can disagree without being rude.