Seven Tuskegee Airmen and two widows of Tuskegee team members received the President's Medal of Distinction on Tuesday at Emens Auditorium. The program included the presentation of medals, a luncheon with the Tuskegee Airmen, the showing of an Air Force Tuskegee documentary and an open forum for questions.
Ball State University President Jo Ann Gora presented the Tuskegee Airmen with the medals in front of more than 2,400 students from Muncie Community Schools and other participants from Muncie, Yorktown and Ball State communities. A Ball State student read a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Dan Canan, who was unable to make the event. The proclamation declared Feb. 28 as official Tuskegee Airman Day in the city of Muncie.
Since the first awarding of President's Medal of Distinction in 1989, only 31 people have been presented with the honor, which recognizes unselfish contributions to the advancement of the university, community, state or nation.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African Americans accepted into the Army Air Corps in 1941 and were trained at a segregated air field in Tuskegee, Alabama. According to the 50th anniversary of WWII commemoration facts sheet, the Tuskegee Airmen's accomplishments in WWII include more than 15,533 individual missions flown, more than 400 German aircraft destroyed and 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses and eight Purple Hearts received.
Assistant professor of journalism Robert Pritchard attended the event and emphasized the importance of the contributions made by the Tuskegee Airmen.
"It's really a very important part of our nation's history, at once victorious, but at the same time a little troubling," Pritchard said. "To truly gain an understanding of the freedoms we enjoy I think you have to look at it through the lenses of these guys."
The Tuskegee Airmen are also remembered for fighting two battles simultaneously: racism and segregation at home and the Germans in Europe. Nina Mjagkij, professor of history and director of African American studies, said the Tuskegee Airmen were true examples of patriotism and courage.
"The African Americans of WWII said we'll fight for our country just like we always have because we are not traitors," Mjiagkij said. "We are patriots, but this time it's not going to be unconditionally. We want equal rights."
After the presentations, the Tuskegee Airmen answered questions about the difficulties they faced both at home and overseas. Many of the Airmen contributed their accomplishments during WWII to teamwork and confidence. Leonora Anderson, widow of airmen Rayfield Anderson, said her husband was a prisoner of war in Germany and was treated better in the German war camp than in his own country. Although this was one of the more troubling responses from the airmen, most of what they had to say about their experiences was positive.
Event coordinator Elizabeth Gillentine said the Tuskegee Airmen enjoyed the opportunity to speak to students and wanted to make inspiring impressions,
"They are all about self-belief, self-determination and self-prophecy," Gillentine said, "They are able to look past the ugliness and see beauty, potential and purity."
Julius Jackson, a former Tuskegee pilot who received one of the medals, said his struggles were worth the outcome.
"This is our reward - to come here and see young Americans in college, getting an education." Jackson said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
