Despite their distinguished wartime record, the Tuskegee Airmen returned to an America unwilling to recognize their contributions. They were still made to stay on the ships that brought them home from war until their white counterparts had disembarked. They experienced local governments treating German (the enemy!) POWs better than they were treated.

But the Tuskegee Airmen had fought and beaten this racist enemy before and they would do it again. Using their military education benefits, they went school and then on to successful careers in the military, education, and public service while steadily continuing the quiet battle for equality and justice. They had families and taught their children about being persistent through tough challenges and reaching goals.  They stayed in touch with and encouraged each other as black men and as Americans.

In March of 2007, to honor their wartime bravery and the example they set by overcoming obstacles big and small in order to reach their goals, the Tuskegee Airmen received the highest civilian honor America can bestow – The Congressional Gold Medal.