Tuskegee in Philadelphia: Rising to the Challenge

The uplifting story of the valiant Tuskegee men and women whose impact on Philadelphia during World War II will surprise even the most avid armchair historian.

At the outbreak of World War II, Philadelphians heeded the call, including the valiant airmen and women of Tuskegee. Although trained in Alabama, the prestigious unit comprised dozens of Philadelphia-area natives, second only to Chicago in the country. They served as fighter pilots, bombers, nurses and mechanics, as well as in many other support roles. The African American service members had to overcome racism and sexism on the homefront in order to serve with great distinction. Their battle for equality didn't end at the war's conclusion. Tuskegee alumni continued to serve their nation by working to secure civil rights and serve their community back home in Philadelphia. Author Robert Kodosky presents the trials and triumphs of Philadelphia's Tuskegee airmen and women.

Robert J. Kodosky, PhD (Temple University), chairs the history department at West Chester University, where he teaches courses on American military and diplomatic history and advises the Student Veteran Group. He is the author of Psychological Operations American Style: The Joint United States Public Affairs Office, Vietnam and Beyond (Lexington, 2007). Other contributors include Steven James Zaharick II, Michael J. Weiss, Michael Kowalski, Jeffrey Markland, Brandon Ray Langston and Matthew Rothfuss.