UC Presents the Veterans Who Broke Racial Barriers in WWII

Their flying records remain unbeaten today. Their bravery and dedication resulted in more than 850 medals, yet their struggles stretched beyond the enemy battle lines of World War II. The public is invited to help celebrate the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen 8 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 at Kresge Auditorium on the University of Cincinnati's East Campus.

The Cincinnati chapter of the airmen will present "Gallantry and Sacrifice," a program sponsored by the UC Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR).

The Tuskegee Airmen broke racial barriers and made history by becoming the first African Americans to fly military missions during World War II. Amid pressure from the African American community, the servicemen earned their wings at a remote Army airfield in Tuskegee, Ala., but remained segregated as they battled the enemy over Africa, Sicily, France and Italy.

They flew 1,578 missions, 15,553 sorties and were awarded more than 850 medals, yet despite their bravery, the hero's welcome home was not for these men, as the walls of segregation remained.

The presentation will include the following members from the Cincinnati chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen:

Leslie Edwards (flight chief, 477th Bomber Group)

Curtis H. Hubbard, Sr. (chapter president)

Godfrey C. Miller (command pilot)

Robert Mealy (armorer and gunner)

David Dwight McPheeters, Jr. (pilot trainee, quartermaster officer)

Charles Westmoreland (aircraft maintenance)

UC's Institute for Learning in Retirement recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and is the third-largest program of its kind in the country with more than 1,500 members. For one quarterly fee, members ages 50 and up can enroll in as many courses as they wish, covering everything from the arts, history, religion, language and more. The Tuskegee Airmen presentation is the ILR's Jean Eggers Memorial Lecture named in memory of one of the ILR's co-directors.

The event is free, but due to limited seating, reservations are required. For reservations, call ILR assistant Rosemary Gauck at (513) 556-9186