– 1578 combat missions
– 179 bomber escort missions
– Destruction of 262 enemy aircraft
– Destruction of 950 rail cars and other motor vehicles

According to Wikipedia

The Tuskegee Airmen were credited by higher commands with the following accomplishments:

• 1578 combat missions,^[80] 1267 for the Twelfth Air Force; 311 for the Fifteenth Air Force^[81]
• 179 bomber escort missions,^[48] with a good record of protection,^[78] losing bombers on only seven missions and a total of only 27, compared to an average of 46 among other 15th Air Force P-51 groups^[82]
• 112 enemy aircraft destroyed in the air, another 150 on the ground^[48] and 148 damaged. This included three Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters shot down
• 950 rail cars, trucks and other motor vehicles destroyed (over 600 rail cars^[48])
• One torpedo boat put out of action. TA22 was an Italian World War I-era warship (Giuseppe Missori), that had been seized by the Germans and put into service. It was attacked on 25 June 1944, and damaged so severely she was never repaired. She was decommissioned on 8 November 1944, and finally scuttled on 5 February 1945.^[83][84]
• 40 boats and barges destroyed^[48]

Awards and decorations included:

• Three Distinguished Unit Citations
  • 99th Pursuit Squadron: 30 May – 11 June 1943, for actions over Sicily^{[citation needed][85]}
  • 99th Fighter Squadron: 12–14 May 1944: for successful airstrikes against Monte Cassino, Italy. The first two Distinguished Unit Citations received by the 99th Fighter Squadron were awarded to the groups to which the squadron was attached. At the time, when a group received the honor, it was shared with the squadrons the were assigned or attached to the group.^{[citation needed]}
  • 332nd Fighter Group (and its 99th, 100th, and 301st Fighter Squadrons): 24 March 1945: for a bomber escort mission to Berlin, during which pilots of the 100th FS shot down three enemy Me 262 jets. The 302nd Fighter Squadron did not receive this award as it had been disbanded on 6 March 1945.^{[citation needed]}
• At least one Silver Star^{[citation needed]}
• 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses to 95 Airmen; Captain William A. Campbell was awarded two.^[86][87]
• 14 Bronze Stars^{[citation needed]}
• 744 Air Medals^{[citation needed]}
• At least 60 Purple Hearts^[88]

(December 8, 1922 – September 13, 2003)

Richard N. DeFoor, Sr., affectionately known as “Dick,” was born December 8, 1922, and was the son of the late Charles and Mary Bridges DeFoor of Atlanta, Georgia. He was a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School and a devoted member of Grace African Methodist Episcopal Church in Warren, Ohio.

On August 29, 1942, Richard proudly answered the call to serve his country when he was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Forces as a member of the 1928th Engineer Aviation Company at Camp Perry, Ohio. Serving as a Tool Room Keeper, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG) and was deployed to the Southern Philippines during World War II. For his courageous service, SSG DeFoor earned numerous commendations, including the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, and Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Army on January 14, 1946.

The very next day, January 15, 1946, Richard continued his military service by joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served with the Tuskegee Airmen 332^nd Support Squad Fighter Single Engine Maintenance and Support Group as a Supply Technician at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He remained in this role until his honorable discharge on January 14, 1949, at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio. His military records listed his height as 5’ 9 ½ and weight at 175 pounds then.

On April 6, 1949, Richard began an extraordinary civilian career with the Department of the Army, dedicating over four decades of service to his country. His career included assignments at:

• Lordstown Military Reserve in Warren, Ohio (1949–1957)
• Rossford Army Depot in Toledo, Ohio (1957–1962)
• Erie Army Depot in Port Clinton, Ohio (1962–1965)
• New Cumberland Army Depot in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania (1965–1987)

Throughout his career, Richard held a wide range of critical roles, including munitions handler, inventory management specialist, warehouse worker and supervisor, production expeditor, material identifier, and classifier.

He retired in 1987 from the New Cumberland Army Depot as a Chemical Equipment Inspector in the Directorate for Quality Assurance’s General Supply Receiving QC Branch, concluding an exceptional 44 years, 7 months, and 18 days of federal service. A testament to his discipline and dedication, Richard maintained a perfect sick leave record, accumulating 3,956 hours. Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, he humbly stated, “I’ve been blessed. Of course, there have been days when I didn’t feel great, but I’ve never been seriously ill or injured.”

Richard was called home to glory in his 81st year on Saturday, September 13, 2003, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

He leaves behind a loving legacy through his devoted wife, Thelma DeFoor; his children, Dwayne T., Timothy L. (Pennsylvania Auditor General), Denise B., Richard N. Jr., all of Harrisburg, and Clifford D. and daughter-in-law Allison of Pottstown, Pennsylvania; as well as five cherished grandchildren—Danielle, Ana, Timothy B, Addison, and Ava—and a host of extended family and friends.

His legacy of service continued through his daughter, Master Sergeant Belinda R. DeFoor, who passed away in 2024. A proud veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, she dedicated 31 years of service to the United States. Her distinguished career included honors such as the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal. She served with distinction in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, the 193rd Special Operations Medical Group, and the United States Air Force Reserve. While deployed in Kirkuk, she was recognized as a member of the “Kirkuk 7” and credited with contributing to intelligence efforts that led to the capture of Saddam Hussein.

Together, Richard and his family exemplify a powerful legacy of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to both country and community.

(November 2, 1923 – January 4, 2004)

Born on November 2, 1923, Roland Brown was one of three boys born to Mr. Dewey Brown, Sr and Mrs. Matilda Steele Brown in Morristown, NJ. He graduated from Morristown High School and is honored in the Morristown High School Wall of Fame. The Brown family lived in both Morristown and Newton, NJ, which was about 37 miles distance between the two locations.

At a young age, Brown’s father, Mr. Dewey Brown, Sr, introduced the game of golf to him. Mr. Dewey Brown, Sr was the first known African American PGA member and the assistant golf pro at Shawnee on the Delaware, the famous Poconos resort where Lafayette College played its home matches before the war. The younger Brown became an avid amateur golfer winning many competitive tournaments. He made friends with such internationally-known golfers as Charlie Sifford, Teddy Rhodes, and Lee Elder. Among the long list of golf courses he played and won tournaments, was the picturesque Cedar River Golf Course in Indian Lake, NY, owned by his father.

Brown was college educated, but when WWII happened, his educational studies were delayed. In 1945, he was among the class of cadets in the Cadet Aviation Program at Tuskegee Army Air Field, Tuskegee, Alabama. Through his military service, Brown earned the rank of Major and served as a B-25 Bombardier-Navigator assigned to the 477th Bombardment Group. Because the war ended in Europe during his tenure, he never saw combat. On July 25, 1945, he married Mary Lily Davis, who was born in Hillsborough, NC on August 16, 1925. They had two children, Roland Brown, Jr., and Gloria Jeanne Brown.

Before earning a degree in Electrical Engineering at Lafayette College, Brown attended Drew University in Madison, NJ during the fall of 1946 and spring 1947. He received a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Newark College of Engineering.

Major Brown continued his educational studies after the war at Lafayette College in Easton, PA. He was a member of the Board of Trustees at Lafayette College from 1975 to 1990. He was honored in 2001 at the inaugural Student-Alumni Banquet Award for Outstanding Service to the Community, given to someone “who has significantly helped improve the quality of life for students of color.”

He attended college at Lafayette during the same time as another Tuskegee Airman, Flight Officer, David Showell, who later served with the 617^th Bombardment Squadron. Brown and Showell were both assigned to the 332^nd Fighter Group. They were also a part of the 447^th Medium Bombardment Group, which flew B-25 bombers in preparation for combat against the Japanese forces, but never had the chance because of racism, according to Major Brown. At one point in the war, he was stationed at Fort Knox, KY. He attained the rank of 2^nd Lieutenant and eventually retired from the Air Force Reserves at age 60 with the rank of Major.

Major Brown worked as a professional engineer with the United States Army Electronic Command at Fort Monmouth, NJ for thirty years. He advanced through upper levels of the organization during the major part of his professional career. When he retired in 1981, he relocated to Palm Coast, Florida. In 2000, he retired from the Air Force Reserves and moved back to New Jersey.

Major Brown passed away at age 81 on January 4, 2004 at Watchung Ridge Assisted Living facility in Watchung, NJ. His wife, Mary Davis Brown, passed away in 1999. Major Brown is interred at Cedar River Cemetery, Indian Lake, New York in Hamilton County, overlooking the golf course that his father once owned.

On June 25, 2011, Dr. Roland M. Brown, Jr. DMD, donated his father’s Congressional Gold Medal replica to the Adirondack Experience, the museum on Blue Mountain Lake in Blue Mountain, NY. Major Brown was awarded the medal posthumously in honor of his service during WWII. The family’s ties to the Adirondack Park did not just start with a medal dedication, but it actually began with a legendary African American golfer in the 1900s.

(May 15, 1914 – April 20,2008)

Captain James J. Hyett was born in Philadelphia on May 15, 1914. He was one of four brothers, born to Lewis and Mattie Johnson Hyett. He graduated from Central High School, in Philadelphia, and attended the University of Pennsylvania for one year, where he took courses in time and motion studies. James also studied engineering and drawing at Drexel University, in Philadelphia. 

As a young man, he yearned to become a pilot. He learned to fly airplanes at the Boulevard Airport and later at the Old Start Airport in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. While attending the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1930s, James learned that the U.S. Army was looking at colleges to train men to become pilots at the onset of World War II. He submitted an application, but was told that the program was only for White applicants. However, he was told that if he was really interested, he should contact the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama where minority students can receive aviation training. James submitted his application and was accepted.

Mr. Hyett trained under AAF Enlisted Reserve CPT Program. He served at several locations throughout the United States, but eventually assumed the position of flight instructor and commander of the Tuskegee Flight School 2164BU, where he trained fighter and bomber pilots. He earned the rank of Captain and also taught flying at Texas Air University in Cuero, Texas. There he later met his future wife; they married and moved back to Philadelphia.

Captain Hyett wasted no time in upgrading his commercial certificate to qualify for the airlines, which resulted in ratings of pilot, commercial, single and multi-engine land and sea instrument flight instructor. He submitted his application to the developing commercial/airline industry that was looking for World War II pilots to train in flying big commercial airplanes for consumer’s use in travel. Although he was very well qualified, according to the interviewer, he was denied due to his race. He later found a decent job as a government worker in the U.S. Post Office.

After retiring from the post office, he took up gardening, writing poetry, and sharing his experience as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. Captain Hyett touched the hearts of many people with his humility and kindness. He believed in honesty and being true to one’s self.

Captain Hyett passed away on April 20, 2008, at the age of 94. He is survived by his daughter and grandson.

(January 8, 1921 – January 17, 1995)

• Dr. Charles A. Highsmith Sr., Ph.D., was born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania on January 8, 1921. His parents were John Luther and Elizabeth Beville. As a child, Dr. Highsmith’s family resided in Wilkes-Barre, where he received most of his early public education. He graduated with a National Honors Society membership at Coughlin High School, (1935-1939). Dr. Charles A. Highsmith, Sr. made his mark with distinction in civilian life and in serving our country in the military during World War II.
• Before he was an exceptional educator with the Philadelphia School District, Highsmith wanted to serve his country during WW II. He was an honor student who wanted to prove through his performance that African Americans could do anything others could do at a high level.
• In February 1943, he began serving as a US Army combat engineer. He was discharged as a First Lt and Company Commander. Lt. Highsmith attended a topographic school and was accepted as a Tuskegee Air Force school candidate. Lt. Highsmith served in the European and Philippine Islands combat zones as well as in Japan’s Wakayama, Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo areas. Upon Lt. Highsmith’s death, the Tuskegee Airman, Inc. sent an official letter to his family highlighting his extraordinary service with deepest condolences.
• In this reflection of his service, he was referred to as “A beloved friend and fellow Tuskegee Airman.” In sharing service stories, they stated that at each meeting, “Charlie’s” name came up, always for something he did for the good of the organization. The Philadelphia Chapter President, George Bolden, described Charles Highsmith Sr. as a rare individual who few could emulate.
• These words eased the family’s loss, knowing his fellow Airman Veterans were proud to have known the beloved Charles Highsmith as an equal. They wrote that “He represented the epitome of what a Tuskegee Airman stands for!”
• Lt. Highsmith also made his mark with distinction in civilian life. He graduated with honors from Cheyney State College and received a master’s degree along with two certificates from the University of Pennsylvania. He also received a Superintendent letter of eligibility from Temple University and an Honorary Doctorate degree from Shaw University. Dr. Highsmith served successfully as a principal in five schools in the Philadelphia school district. He served in various Superintendent senior leadership capacities with his final service position being Deputy Superintendent and Acting Superintendent until his retirement on June 30,1983. Charles A. Highsmith, Sr. received numerous recognitions from community, professional affiliation, and recognition of accomplishment awards. He was a deeply religious, man of God. His faith was evident as he lived his daily life. His priorities were God, family, service to others, and his country. It is no wonder why he chose to attend the Tuskegee Airman School.
• Lieutenant Highsmith was married to the former Magnolia J. White on July 23,1944. They had three children, son Charles Jr., daughters Karen & Pamela. He instilled in them the pride in his service to his country.
• Lt. Highsmith fulfilled that early-in-life goal of serving his country and demonstrating through his service that African Americans can achieve at high levels. The Tuskegee Airman experience and everything else he did was a true to testimony to his legacy of excellence.