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Description
"...awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the armed forces of the United States, shall have distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism or for meritorious service. Award of the Air Medal is primarily intended to recognize those personnel who are on current crew member or non-crew member flying status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties." Captain Samuel L. Washington enlisted in the Air Force in November 1942. He graduated with the 44-F pilot class from the Tuskegee program on June 27, 1944. He was assigned to the 99th squadron of the 332nd fighter group. As the group transitioned from P-40 fighters to the newer P-51 Mustangs, their aircraft was decorated with bright red spinners and tails and the squadron was nicknamed the Red-Tails. They were based in Italy and provided air support for bomber missions over Germany during the final stages of the World War II European theater in 1945.
Type
image
Identifier
6596AA44-47A6-46AD-A2E8-293391642711 2012-40-15
Subject
Air pilots (LCSH) Awards African Americans Soldiers United States. Army Air Forces. Fighter Group, 332nd Washington, Samuel L
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