A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman - Hardcover

Dryden, Charles W.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0817308563 ISBN 13: 9780817308568

Publisher: University Alabama Press, 1997

Synopsis

A-Train is the story of one of the black Americans who, during World War II, graduated from Tuskegee (AL) Flying School and served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps’ 99th Pursuit Squadron. Charles W. Dryden presents a fast-paced, balanced, and personal account of what it was like to prepare for a career traditionally closed to African Americans, how he coped with the frustrations and dangers of combat, and how he, along with many fellow black pilots, navigators, bombardiers, and crewmen, emerged with a magnificent war record.
Under the command of Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the Tuskegee airmen fought over North Africa, Sicily, and Europe, escorting American bomber crews who respected their "no-losses" record. Some were shot down, many of them were killed or captured by the enemy, and several won medals of valor and honor. But the airmen still faced great barriers of racial prejudice in the armed forces and at home. As a member of that elite group of young pilots who fought for their country overseas while being denied civil liberties at home, Dryden presents an eloquent story that will touch each and every reader.
 

About this title

From the Back Cover:

How does a black American prepare for a career in a profession traditionally closed to blacks? And how does he or she cope with the frustrations and dangers that subsequent experiences generate? A-Train is the story of one of the black Americans who, during World War II, graduated from Tuskegee Army Flying School and served as a pilot in the 99th Pursuit Squadron. Charles W. Dryden has prepared an honest, fast-paced, balanced, vividly written, and very personal account of what it was like to be a black soldier, and specifically a pilot, during World War II and the Korean War. Colonel Dryden's book commands our attention because it is a balanced account by an insightful man who enlisted in a segregated army and retired from an integrated air force. Dryden's account is poignant in illuminating the hurt inflicted by racism on even the most successful black people. As a member of that elite group of those young pilots who fought for their country overseas while being denied civil liberties at home, Dryden presents an eloquent memoir of the experiences he has shared and the changes he has witnessed.

About the Author:

Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. Dryden is retired from the U.S. Air Force following 20 years of service with action during World War II and the Korean War. He holds an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Hofstra University.

Lieutenant General Benjamin O. Davis Jr.
is retired from the U.S. Air Force and is author of American: An Autobiography.



 

About this edition

• Publisher: University Alabama Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0817308563
• ISBN 13: 9780817308568
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 440