WJBF Exclusive: Fraendy Clervaud Interviews Four Tuskegee Airmen

Augusta, GA—- These four gentlemen made history in their own way. They defied all odds at a time when racism was the rule and became part of what we know today as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Hiram Little, Flight Officer, Tuskegee Airmen “I have been talked about, kicked about, kicked over, kicked down. I was born with the ability to survive.”

The Airmen were black pilots who flew during World War II. It wasn’t until an act of Congress in 1941 that give blacks a chance to show the world they could fly.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson remembers the late Lieutenant Colonel Charles Dryden who was one of his flight instructors.

Alexander Jefferson, Lt. Col, Tuskegee Airmen “To train us in our combat experience and he was our instructor at Self Ridge Air Force Base where we were flying P-39’s.“

Many from the CSRA gathered to watch an airmen documentary produced by Bryton Entertainment. Tickets to the show sold out days before the viewing.

Albert McConnell says despite being looked down upon as a black pilot he proved himself to his commanders.

Albert McConnell, Tuskegee Airmen: “We followed his direction to the letter. We followed it from day one to the day it ended.”

Flying had it’s up’s and downs and for Lt. Colonel Jefferson he remembers one down point.

Alexander Jefferson, Lt. Col, Tuskegee Airmen: “I was a prisoner of war for nine months in Germany. I was shot down over in Southern France…in August 12, 1944.”

These airmen tell me they never expected to get so much recognition for stepping out on faith.

Leroy Eley, Sr, Cadet, Tuskegee Airmen: “It was just destiny I feel very proud to be apart of the Tuskegee Airmen, even though I was on the tale end. My contribution to aviation has been after the war.”

The documentary will also be shown in Tuskegee, Alabama in February.