Chanute Museum Exhibit Tribute to 99th Pursuit Squadron Technical Command

Illinois Men In Colored Squadron At Chanute

Photograph is circa 1941

An exhibit featuring the 99th Pursuit Squadron and the technical forces trained at Chanute Air Force Base will open in February 1998 at the Aerospace Museum in Rantoul.

The 99th Pursuit Squadron began as an experiment by the Armed Forces in March of 1941, prior to the American entry into World War II to support the black pilots who were simultaneously being trained at Tuskegee, Alabama. "Keeping 'em Flying" was a motto of the ground crews trained at Chanute Air Force Base. Upon completion of their training at Chanute in October of 1941, the men were transferred to Tuskegee for active duty specialists and mechanics supporting the 33 pilots in training at that time.

Afro-Americans in the Armed Services have proven themselves with dignity and valor in the defense of the United States of America in the Revolutionary War and in every conflict that followed: the Civil War, The War of 1812, World War I and World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Conflict in the Middle East.

The Armed Services were not integrated until President Harry S. Truman issued an Executive Order of Integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Until the issuance of the Order of Integration in 1948, everything was separate and unequal except the fighting spirit of our American troops. The Experiment of 1941, the establishment of the 99th Pursuit Squadron and all supporting elements thereof, complete within the Unit, was a success far beyond the belief of many in Congress who had opposed the experiment. All men are created equal.

We encourage everyone to visit the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum located in Rantoul, Illinois. The exhibit will run from February 1998 through December 1998.

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