STUNNING vintage snaps capture the drama and heroism of America's first black airmen.
The Tuskegee Airmen were determined volunteers who signed up to take to the skies in defence of democracy against Nazi Germany.
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Such was the discrimination against black patriots at the outbreak of war, one African American volunteer actually signed up to fight for the French air force after being turned down by his own.
But later in 1939 a law was passed allowing for the training of America's first black pilots at the university in Tuskegee, Alabama, who would go on to become the 332nd Fighter and the 477th Bombardment groups.
Carrying out missions mainly in North Africa and Sicily, the brave airmen were crucial in bringing down the Axis by protecting vital naval routes, before going to the heart of Hitler's Germany to help crush the Third Reich.
The Tuskegee airmen were the first black air force recruits in the USCredit: Exclusivepix Media
By the time World War II broke out, African Americans had already been pressing for access to elite military training for decadesCredit: Exclusivepix Media
A House Appropriations Bill earmarked funds for training African American pilots at any civilian flight schools that would have themCredit: Exclusivepix Media
The historically black university in Tuskegee, Alabama, took on the recruits to train themCredit: Exclusivepix Media
In April 1943 the airmen shipped out to North Africa and Sicily to protect key naval routes for the AlliesCredit: Exclusivepix Media
Edward C. Gleed, Tuskegee airman, wearing flight gear at an air base at Ramitelli, Italy, 1945Credit: Exclusivepix Media
Tuskegee airman Edward M. Thomas, March 1945Credit: Exclusivepix Media
A Tuskagee airman signs a form ahead of flying out on a missionCredit: Exclusivepix Media
Members of the 332nd in a briefing room. They flew vital missions for the US air force during World War TwoCredit: Exclusivepix Media
The stunning collection of photos captures the bravery of America's first black airmenCredit: Exclusivepix Media
Sgt. William P. Bostic in a control tower, March 1945Credit: Exclusivepix Media
Tuskegee airmen Marcellus G. Smith and Roscoe C. Brown work on an airplane in Ramitelli, Italy, March 1945Credit: Exclusivepix Media
Four P-51 Mustangs flying in formation. They earned the nickname the Red-Tail Angels for their custom crimson-dipped nose and tail paint jobsCredit: Exclusivepix Media
Airmen are briefed ahead of an Allied missionCredit: Exclusivepix Media
Col. Benjamin O. Davis. The amazing pictures were captured by Manhattan fashion photographer Antoinette 'Toni' FrissellCredit: Exclusivepix Media
A Tuskegee airman sitting on a P-5/D 'Creamer's Dream' aeroplane in ItalyCredit: Exclusivepix Media
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