A 501c6 Non-Profit Organization
MEMOIRS OF A
TUSKEGEE AIRMAN
Meet Harold Brown the WWII Pilot Shot Down and Taken as a POW in 1945!
Many Americans know little of the Tuskegee Airmen, the small group of black pilots and support staff who fought for the right to fly in World War II and whose success played a significant role in the integration of the military. Brown was one of the 992 original Tuskegee pilots. He is likely the last of his group to record his story.
Truly a limited opportunity for your bus group to hear firsthand stories from 96-year-old WWII Pilot Harold Brown as he recounts his time in combat and being shot down and taken as a POW. Brown also describes his family heritage and the journey his parents made North in what became known as the Great Migration. He also shares family stories that helped to shape the young Harold Brown and his brother Lawrence. It provides a picture of life in Minneapolis in the 1920s and 30s, where blacks were few, where segregation was minimal, and where Harold’s “love affair” with a plane was nurtured.
The highlight of Browns presentation is when he shares the history of his 30th mission, March 14, 1945, when Dr. Brown was shot down over enemy territory, bailing out of his badly damaged P-51 and being taken as a prisoner of war (POW). For six weeks he was kept captive, the possibility of losing his life staring him starkly in the face. Dangers surrounded him, interrogations, friendly fire, as he was forced to walk from one POW camp to another. Hear about his brush with death by his captors and ultimately his liberation by Allied forces.
An important part of African American history, lives on through Dr. Brown's presentation. The Tuskegee Airmen, were America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel, changed history and their contributions to the war efforts were immeasurable but looking back now, perhaps their biggest victory was challenging the stereotypes that had kept black Americans from serving as pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Legendary Port Clinton pilot Lt. Col. Harold Brown is one of only eight of the celebrated Tuskegee Airmen of World War II who are still alive, and he will always be a Red Tail. The Tuskegee Airmen earned that moniker in World War II because their P-51 Mustang fighter planes were emblazoned with a bright red tail.
There have been movies made about the all-black pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group, who experienced racism in a then-segregated U.S. Air Force.That is, until the talented fliers became a valuable cog in protecting bombers winning the war in Europe.
"Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman" photo gallery, use arrows below to scroll
Additional Information and Maps
This group tour experience takes approximately 1.5-hours and can be schedule at multiple locations such as Winterberry Farms, Liberty Aviation Museum, Ole Zim's, BSA or one of several other places. This experience is perfect for combining with a catered lunch or dinner.
Suggested Speaker Locations Include:
-
Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton, Ohio
-
Winterberry Farm, Tiffin, Ohio (Shown Above)
-
Ole Zim's Wagon Shed, Gibsonburg, Ohio
-
Bellevue Society for the Arts, Bellevue, Ohio
Downloadable PDF Information Sheet about Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman
ADDRESS:
(Not open to public, group bookings only!)
BOOKING CONTACT:
Brenda Havens
Sandusky County Visitors Bureau
712 North Street
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Telephone: (419) 332-4470
712 North Street, Fremont, Ohio 43420 | 419-332-4470 or toll free 800-255-8070 | Fax 419-332-4359