The Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces, were formed to train in Tuskegee, Alabama.
The U.S. officially enters World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, increasing the need for trained military aviators.
The 332nd Fighter Group, known as the Red Tails, is activated, consisting primarily of African American pilots.
The Red Tails begin their combat missions escorting bombers in the European Theater of World War II.