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  • Ruby Nell Sales Oral History Interview

    Created by
    Civil Rights History Project, American, founded 2009
    Interview of
    Nell Sales, Ruby, American, born 1948
    Interviewed by
    Mosnier, Joseph Ph. D.
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Institute, American, founded 1881
    Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, American, 1960 - 1970s
    Daniels, Jonathan Myrick, American, 1939 - 1965
    Date
    April 25, 2011
    Medium
    digital
    Dimensions
    Duration: 01:32:09
    Description
    The oral history consists of ten digital files: 2011.174.7.1a, 2011.174.7.1b, 2011.174.7.1c, 2011.174.7.1d, 2011.174.7.1e, 2011.174.7.1f, 2011.174.7.1g, 2011.174.7.1h, 2011.174.7.1i, and 2011.174.7.1j.
    Ruby Sales discusses her father's military career, growing up in Columbus, Georgia, and attending the Tuskegee Institute. Her father was a Baptist minister and grew up in a racist and segregated society. Her grandmother was either born into slavery or right after it, and learned to read and write. She recalls joining the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Selma to Montgomery March, registering voters in Lowndes County, Alabama, and her arrest in Hayneville, Alabama. She remembers the murder of Jonathan Daniels, a seminary student who saved her life, and discusses her opinions on African American history and the current rate of African Americans in prison.
    LOC ID: afc2010039_crhp0007
    Place collected
    Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America
    Place depicted
    Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America
    Hayneville, Lowndes County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Civil Rights History Project
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Movement
    Civil Rights Movement
    Selma to Montgomery Marches
    Type
    video recordings
    oral histories
    digital media - born digital
    Topic
    Activism
    American South
    Associations and institutions
    Civil rights
    HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
    Justice
    Military
    Politics
    Prisons
    Religion
    Segregation
    Slavery
    Social reform
    Suffrage
    Tuskegee Airmen
    U.S. History, 1961-1969
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in partnership with the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
    Object number
    2011.174.7.1a-j
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture and The American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5739065a1-0358-4132-bccb-2266a2146091
  • Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal

    Commissioned by
    United States Department of the Treasury, American, founded 1789
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Created by
    United States Mint, American, founded 1792
    Date
    2007
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    gold
    Dimensions
    2 15/16 × 2 15/16 × 3/16 in. (7.5 × 7.5 × 0.5 cm)
    Caption
    The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian recognition awarded by the U.S. Congress. This medal was presented to the Tuskegee Airmen, African American pilots flying for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Awarded on March 29, 2007, the medal recognized their “unique military record that inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.”
    Description
    A gold medal featuring three men in profile in the center, with "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN" at top and an eagle with spread wings at the bottom.
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Movement
    Civil Rights Movement
    Type
    medals
    Topic
    Civil rights
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2007.8
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ef531fd7-f0f5-4aa1-adf0-a009298e0190
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Framed memorabilia from Selma to Montgomery March used by Dabney N. Montgomery

    Created by
    Montgomery, Dabney N., American, born 1923
    Subject of
    Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968
    Date
    1965
    Medium
    rubber, wool, ink on paper, mat board, glass, metal, and paint on wood
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 11 3/4 × 14 3/4 × 1 1/2 in. (29.8 × 37.5 × 3.8 cm)
    Caption
    Dabney N. Montgomery is a documented original Tuskegee airman, a 2007 recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, acting as a body guard for Martin Luther King Jr. during the Selma to Montgomery March of 1965.
    Description
    A black wood-framed shadowbox with two shoe heels and one burgundy knit necktie worn by Dabney N. Montgomery during the Selma to Montgomery March from March 21 to 25, 1965, and an address book containing the name and address of Martin Luther King, Jr. and others. The address book is cased in a plastic bag and is mounted to the gray mat board at the center top. Pre-printed black text for contact information is printed with four (4) contacts possible on each page. Seven (7) contacts are filled out by hand in black and blue ink, with King's at the top left page. The bottom right page pre-printed fill-in section is blank. An orange sticker with a black "1" is to the right of the book. The burgundy wool knit necktie is fastened with fishing line to the backing board at the top, middle, and bottom along the vertical left side. An orange sticker with a black "2" is to the bottom left of the tie. The black rubber shoe heels are placed side by side with the rounded back edges of the heels facing upward at the bottom right of the frame. Manufacturer information is stamped into the rubber, but is illegible because the heels are much worn. An orange sticker with a black "3" is to the right of the shoe heels. The mat board is held in place by metal pressure tabs around the back of the frame. There is no apparent hanging mechanism.
    Place used
    Selma, Dallas County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Mongtomery, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Movement
    Civil Rights Movement
    Selma to Montgomery Marches
    Type
    frames (furnishings)
    neckties
    shoes (footwear)
    address books
    Topic
    Activism
    Civil rights
    Clothing and dress
    Communities
    Tuskegee Airmen
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dabney N. Montgomery, D.H.L. (Documented Original Tuskegee Airman) and Amelia A. Montgomery
    Object number
    2016.15
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd557d7850c-91b7-4432-ac2d-53a2a7164620
  • Photograph of Chief Anderson, General "Chappie" James, Jr., and Daniel James III

    Photograph by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Chief Anderson, Charles Alfred Sr., American, 1907 - 1996
    General James, Daniel Jr., American, 1920 - 1978
    Lieutenant General James, Daniel III, American
    Otis Air National Guard Base, American, founded 1938
    United States Air Force, American, founded 1947
    Date
    August 1955
    Medium
    silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W (Sheet): 3 7/16 × 4 15/16 in. (8.8 × 12.5 cm)
    H x W (Image): 3 3/16 × 4 3/4 in. (8.1 × 12 cm)
    Description
    A black and white photograph of Charles A. "Chief” Anderson with General Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. and his son, Daniel James III, in front of a United States Airforce plane at Otis Air National Guard Base. Both James, Jr. and Anderson, pictured left and right respectively, are wearing fighter pilot uniforms and flight helmets with visors and masks. Behind them is a fighter plane with the partial text [US AIR FO] visible on the side of the plane. In the top left corner of the image is James III, standing in the open cockpit. He is wearing a white tee-shirt with a diamond-shaped graphic on the front. The date is printed on the left edge of the photograph, in the border. The border edge on the bottom of the photograph has been cropped. The back of the photograph is blank.
    Place captured
    Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Type
    gelatin silver prints
    portraits
    Topic
    Families
    Fatherhood
    Men
    Military
    Photography
    Tuskegee Airmen
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles Alfred Anderson, Jr. in memory of Chief C. Alfred Anderson
    Object number
    2015.57.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5361754d9-19d5-4029-986e-c4626a3ca6ed
  • Bombadier wings owned by Fenton B. Sands

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Issued by
    United States Air Force, American, founded 1947
    Owned by
    Dr. Fenton B. Sands, American, 1918 - 1998
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Date
    1942-1945
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    metal
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 1 × 3 1/16 × 5/16 in. (2.5 × 7.8 × 0.8 cm)
    Description
    A bombardier wing insignia. The insignia has a pair of horizontally extended wings with a central round piece with a bomb overlaid on top. The center has two (2) concentric rings behind the bomb. The bomb is pointed down with tail wings at the top. Two (2) spikes on the back tips of the wings for pin backs.
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Type
    insignias
    Topic
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Sands Family
    Object number
    2014.7.15
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58fcd242a-53b2-4395-85e4-e8313de3332b
  • Army Air Force jumpsuit worn by Frederick E. White

    Used by
    White, Frederick E., Jr., American, 1911 - 1991
    Manufactured by
    Cleveland Overall Company, American, 1915 - 1961
    Date
    1942 - 1947
    Medium
    cotton (textile) , metal , leather and thread
    Dimensions
    H x W (Flat): 62 × 18 in. (157.5 × 45.7 cm)
    Description
    Light brown Army Air Force jump suit with zippers. The center front has a zip closure that runs from neck to inseam. The sleeves of the jump suit both have a split cuff with a single button closure. The proper left sleeve has a pen pocket. There are two diagonal zipper breast pockets and two inset pockets at the hip with zippers. Additional pockets with zipper closures are also on the front knees of both legs, as well as, on the outside bottom of each leg. There are two zipper closures at the foot of both legs. There is a faded stamped insignia on the proper left arm. The insignia is round with a blue background. In the lower half, centered, is a white, five-pointed star with a red circle in the center. A pair of white wings extends out from the star. Faded, below the insignia is white text that reads: [ARMY AIR FORCE]. A similar stamped insignia is found at the nape of the neck inside, below the clothing tag. This insignia is a white outline of the star, circle, and wings, also with white text centered below it that reads: [ARMY AIR FORCE]. The sewn on clothing tag, found above the insignia, is black with yellow text that reads: [SUIT FLYING, VERY LIGHT, COTTON TWILL/TYPE K-1/SPECIFICATION NO. 3232/SIZE MEDIUM REGULAR/AAF STOCK NO. 8300-810000/ORDER NO. (33-038) 45-10365-AF/CLEVELAND OVERALL CO.].
    Place used
    Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Adornment
    Type
    jump suits
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Vivian Gilliam in memory of Stu Gilliam
    Object number
    2014.178.14
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5a19b38c9-d193-4e46-b4f4-c17b77cb5da6
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Type AN 5835-1 dead reckoning computer owned by Fenton B. Sands

    Manufactured by
    J. B. Carroll Company, American
    Owned by
    Dr. Fenton B. Sands, American, 1918 - 1998
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Date
    1944-1948
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    plastic and metal
    Dimensions
    9 3/8 × 5 1/4 × 1/2 in. (23.8 × 13.3 × 1.3 cm)
    Description
    A dead reckoning computer with yellow plastic base with a green grid. Black circular dials on either side of a slide with yellow print indicating degrees and cardinal points. A clear plastic ruler is attached to the back. Degrees and measurements included are in black. Black circular rings are held together with wire on one side. Text on a black circular ring includes manufacturer's information and an object name: [J.B. CARROL CO. ORDER NO (11-107) 44-10669 / MANUFACTURERS PART NO. 100 / COMPUTER, DEAD RECKONING / TYPE AN 5835-1].
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Military
    Type
    navigational instruments
    computers
    Topic
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Sands Family
    Object number
    2014.7.8.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54f5cf86b-24ba-4be1-b273-edaa04d9266a
  • Purple Heart medal awarded posthumously to Tuskegee Airman 2d Lt. James McCullin

    Issued by
    United States Armed Forces, American, founded 1775
    Received by
    Second Lieutenant McCullin, James L., American, 1919 - 1943
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    99th Pursuit Squadron, American, 1941 - 1949
    Date
    after 1943
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    cardboard , paper, metal and ribbon
    Dimensions
    H x W (Medal): 3 × 1 3/8 × 3/16 in. (7.6 × 3.5 × 0.5 cm)
    H x W x D (Closed): 1 x 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (2.5 x 8.9 x 16.5 cm)
    H x W x D (Open): 7 x 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (17.8 x 8.9 x 16.5 cm)
    Description
    A Purple Heart medal and case awarded posthumously to Tuskegee Airmen 2 Lt. James McCullin.
    A Purple Heart medal. The medal is purple and heart-shaped with a gold border. There is a raised profile of George Washington in the center of the medal. At the top of the medal there is a small white shield with three red stars above two red horizontal lines. On either side of the shield is a green vine with leaves. There is a purple ribbon with white border attached to the medal at the top. On the back of the medal is the inscription: [FOR / MILITARY / MERIT/ JAMES L. / MCCULLIN]. The dedication is in raised gold letters and the name is etched into the medal.
    A case for a Purple Heart. The outside of the case is dark-colored with gold-colored designs along edges. The top of the case also has gold-colored designs creating two squares. The case opens to a 90 degree angle from hinges on the back short edge. In center of the top of the case gold letters read: [PURPLE HEART]. The interior of the case is lined with yellow fabric. The fabric in the top part of the case looks like satin and the bottom part of the case the fabric looks like velvet.
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Type
    cases (containers)
    medals
    Topic
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the McCullin Family, in memory of Second Lieutenant James L. McCullin
    Object number
    2013.52.3ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50b99ef9d-6b1d-4f6b-8154-036ca7a3874e
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Keep Us Flying!

    Created by
    Reyneau, Betsy Graves, American, 1888 - 1964
    Commissioned by
    United States Department of the Treasury, American, founded 1789
    Printed by
    United States Government Publishing Office, American, founded 1860
    Subject of
    Diez, Robert W., American, 1919 - 1992
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Date
    1943
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 27 9/16 x 19 11/16 in. (70 x 50 cm)
    Title
    Poster for war bonds depicting Tuskegee Airman Robert W. Diez
    Description
    Poster created by the US Treasury Department during WWII depicting Robert W. Diez, an African American Tuskegee Airman, pleading for Americans to buy war bonds. The poster features an illustration of Diez in flight jacket and gear, in front of a blue sky background. Above him, blue italicized type reads [Keep us flying!]; below him white lettering on dark blue background reads [BUY WAR BONDS].
    Classification
    Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
    Type
    posters
    Topic
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2011.168
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public Domain
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5dc14fc22-9f48-42c3-be13-2182c7e2d0af
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Training aircraft used by Tuskegee Institute

    Manufactured by
    Boeing Corporation, American, founded 1916
    Used by
    Tuskegee Institute, American, founded 1881
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Date
    ca. 1944
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    steel, aluminum, copper alloy, wood, polyester, rubber, plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (2011.82.1): 114 × 386 × 300 in. (289.6 × 980.4 × 762 cm)
    H x W x D (2011.82.2 baggage claim door): 21 1/2 × 30 3/4 × 2 3/4 in. (54.6 × 78.1 × 7 cm)
    Caption
    A vintage, open-cockpit biplane—one used at Alabama’s renowned Tuskegee Institute to train African American pilots for Army Air Corps service during World War II.
    Description
    The body of the PT-13D Stearman Kaydet aircraft is painted blue and the wings are painted yellow. The tail is yellow with red and white stripes. The numbers "18303" are white and located on the left and right sides of fuselage. "Spirit of Tuskegee" is printed in red and located on the left and right sides of engine cowl. There are two stars located on either side of the top wing. The stars are white within a black circle. Within the white stars are red circles. Personal signatures of former Tuskegee Airmen are located on the cargo cover.
    Classification
    Transportation Vehicles
    Type
    training aircraft
    Topic
    HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2011.82.1-.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e994f4e9-bef9-41b4-86d9-a2b0ce43f9fc
  • Type K-1 Army Air Corps flight suit worn by Woodrow W. Crockett

    Manufactured by
    Bates Shoe Co., American
    Worn by
    Crockett, Woodrow W., American, 1918 - 2012
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Used by
    100th Fighter Squadron, American, 1942 - 1945
    Date
    ca. 1944
    Medium
    cotton twill, metal, leather, resin, pigment
    Dimensions
    On Form: 62 x 26 x 12 1/2 in. (157.5 x 66 x 31.8 cm)
    H x W (Collar to Ankle): 63 x 24 1/2 in. (160 x 62.2 cm)
    Inseam (Leg- Ankle to Crotch): 31 in. (78.7 cm)
    Waist: 19 1/2 in. (49.5 cm)
    Chest (Shoulder Width): 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
    Inseam (Arm- Shoulder to Wrist): 25 1/2 in. (64.8 cm)
    Description
    A type K-1 Army Air Corps summer flight suit of the 100th Fighter Squadron worn by Woodrow W. Crockett. The suit is a size medium, made of cotton twill, and was distributed by the US Army Air Forces (USAAF). There is an area on the PL shoulder painted with the USAAF insignia. The suit has a number of zippered pockets on the front and there is a tag on the collar of the suit specifying the type, spec no. stock no. purchase order, and manufacturer.
    Place made
    Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Clothing-Historical
    Type
    jump suits
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Lt. Col. Woodrow W. Crockett
    Object number
    2012.43.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd51db8c5ae-9f33-443b-b902-cd76baba4a24
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Trunk used by Tuskegee Airman 2d Lt. James McCullin

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Owned by
    Second Lieutenant McCullin, James L., American, 1919 - 1943
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    99th Pursuit Squadron, American, 1941 - 1949
    United States Army, American, founded 1775
    Date
    ca. 1940
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    wood , paper, iron alloy , copper alloy , leather and paint
    Dimensions
    Closed: 12 x 30 x 16 1/4 in. (30.5 x 76.2 x 41.3 cm)
    Description
    Dark green trunk with metal reinforcements along the edges. The front long side of the trunk has two metal latches, one metal lock and a leather handle. Another leather handle is located on a short edge of the trunk. On the top of the trunk are white painted letters, outlined in blue. It reads: [LT. JAMES L. MCCULLIN/ 0-792422]. Between the two lines of text is an image of pilot wings insignia.
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Military
    Type
    trunks (containers)
    Topic
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the McCullin Family, in memory of Second Lieutenant James L. McCullin
    Object number
    2013.52.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd532b644c6-7947-44e3-af64-14624c84fe18
  • Aircraft observer badge owned by Fenton B. Sands

    Manufactured by
    American Emblem Company, American
    Issued by
    United States Air Force, American, founded 1947
    Owned by
    Dr. Fenton B. Sands, American, 1918 - 1998
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Date
    1942-1945
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    sterling silver
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 7/8 × 3 3/16 × 1/2 in. (2.2 × 8.1 × 1.3 cm)
    Description
    An Aircraft observer badge. The badge features a pair of horizontally extended wings with a central round insignia. The center is a heavily bordered circle with small, parallel horizontal lines featured within. On the back there are two (2) small spikes for the pin backs. Stamped on the back of the wings is: [STERLING / AE CO. / UTICA / N.Y.].
    Place made
    Utica, Oneida County, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Type
    insignias
    Topic
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Sands Family
    Object number
    2014.7.14
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58f78df0c-6b05-4bb2-a215-c525f896d445
  • Navigator wings owned by Fenton B. Sands

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Issued by
    United States Air Force, American, founded 1947
    Owned by
    Dr. Fenton B. Sands, American, 1918 - 1998
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Date
    1942-1945
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    sterling silver
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 13/16 × 3 1/16 × 5/16 in. (2.1 × 7.8 × 0.8 cm)
    Description
    A navigator insignia. The insignia features a pair of horizontally extended wings with a central round piece featuring the earth surrounded by crisscrossing rings at various latitudes and longitudes. The outer ring of the center is notched. On the back is one (1) small spike on the proper right side of the back wing tip for the pin back. Stamped on the back of the wings is: [STERLING].
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Type
    insignias
    Topic
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Sands Family
    Object number
    2014.7.16
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57628b11a-4e76-40c6-8a0a-b7972b56d344
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Aviator's silk scarf worn by Lt. Col. Woodrow W. Crockett

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Worn by
    Crockett, Woodrow W., American, 1918 - 2012
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Used by
    100th Fighter Squadron, American, 1942 - 1945
    Date
    ca. 1942
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    silk (textile), ink
    Dimensions
    H x W (Laid Flat): 16 1/2 x 65 1/4 in. (41.9 x 165.7 cm)
    Description
    A silk aviator's scarf worn by Woodrow W. Crockett. The scarf is slightly yellowed and has several small brown stains throughout. One end of the scarf is stamped with faded black stenciled letters, reading [W. W. CROCKET] on the left side and [CENTURY FIGHTER] on the right side. The words appear on the same face of the scarf.
    Classification
    Clothing-Historical
    Type
    scarves (costume accessories)
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Lt. Col. Woodrow W. Crockett
    Object number
    2012.43.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5351781c8-8313-4abb-a6a7-77bd93b5d969
  • American flag flown over the Capitol in honor of Dr. William Neal Brown

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Dr. Brown, William Neal, American, 1919 - 2009
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Date
    2009
    Medium
    cotton (fiber) and polyester with wood, glass and metal
    Dimensions
    2012.127.2a (flag): 7 x 14 x 2 in. (17.8 x 35.6 x 5.1 cm)
    2012.127.2b (display case): 13 x 19 1/2 x 3 3/4 in. (33 x 49.5 x 9.5 cm)
    Description
    Folded American flag in a wood and glass case with a brass colored metal plaque acknowledging membership in original Tuskegee Airmen Group. The flag is folded into a triangular shape with the white stars on blue background showing. The case has a wooden platform base, with a gold metal plaque attached to a wooden block centered in the front. Engraved lettering on the plaque reads [WILLIAM NEAL BROWN, Ph.D. // Professor Emeritus / Feb. 24, 1919-April 17, 2009 / Love of People, Love of Country / Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen]. The flag is encased in a triangular wooden enclosure with a glass front and particle board backing board. The flag case is raised off the base by two wooden blocks equidistant from the central plaque.
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Type
    flags
    Topic
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Suzanne Zimmer, Long Time Partner of Dr. William Neal Brown
    Object number
    2012.127.2ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5fc17b3a9-1541-4375-98b2-8cb7fa2408f5
  • Memorial Quilt for Tuskegee Airman 2d Lt. James McCullin

    Created by
    McCullin, Vivian Lucille, American
    Subject of
    Second Lieutenant McCullin, James L., American, 1919 - 1943
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    99th Pursuit Squadron, American, 1941 - 1949
    Date
    after 1943
    Medium
    cloth and ink
    Dimensions
    H x W: 41 x 39 3/4 in. (104.1 x 101 cm)
    Description
    A quilt made in memory of Lt. James McCullin. The majority of the quilt's background is a tan fabric with a dotted blue floral design. The border of the quilt is navy blue fabric with a dotted tan floral design. In the center of the quilt is a printed photograph of James McCullin dressed as a World War II pilot. Around the portrait are triangular pieces of the blue fabric forming a sunburst pattern. Around the edges of the quilt are pieces of fabric with images and text printed on them. Many of these pieces are McCullin's personal documents such as his diploma, Army certification, and correspondence with the War Department concerning his disappearance in 1943. The images include the plane he flew, his grave, and the building named after him at Kentucky State University.
    Place depicted
    Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky, United States, North and Central America
    Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Italy, Europe
    Saint Louis County, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Textiles-Quilts
    Type
    quilts
    Topic
    Families
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the McCullin Family, in memory of Second Lieutenant James L. McCullin
    Object number
    2013.52.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd554c6f9c6-110d-4a4a-868a-2ac61e624304
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Tuskegee Airman flight jacket worn by Lt. Col. Woodrow W. Crockett

    Manufactured by
    Aero Leather Clothing Co., American
    Worn by
    Crockett, Woodrow W., American, 1918 - 2012
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    100th Fighter Squadron, American, 1942 - 1945
    Date
    1942
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    leather, cloth, metal, paint
    Dimensions
    H x W (Laid Flat): 26 1/4 x 24 in. (66.7 x 61 cm)
    Waist: 19 1/2 in. (49.5 cm)
    Chest (Across Shoulders): 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
    Inseam (Arm - shoulder to cuff): 24 in. (61 cm)
    On Form: 30 x 33 x 15 1/2 in. (76.2 x 83.8 x 39.4 cm)
    Description
    A Type A-2 leather Tuskegee Airman jacket worn by Woodrow W. Crockett. The jacket is dark brown leather with a fabric lining. It has a snap-flap patch pocket on either size of the zipper at waist level with knit cuffs and waistband. On the left breast are three stitched patches. The uppermost is a rectangular leather patch with dark stamped letters reading [W. W. CROCKETT], the middle patch is also leather and rectangular and embossed with the US Army Air Forces pilot insignia, two feathered wings extending from a striped shield. Below this is a very faded painted leather patch whose decoration was once the insignia for the USAAF 100th Fighter Squadron, a winged feline perched on top of a globe. The paint is considerably deteriorated but remnants of the design in red, white, blue, yellow and brown paint are visible. On the PL shoulder is another circular patch, originally the emblem of the 15th Air Force. It is also significantly chipped but features a blue background beneath a white star with an embedded red circle and yellow wings. The number 15 appears between the wings. Across the back shoulders of the jacket is an oval area with stitching holes, indicating another patch, now missing, had been fixed there at some point.
    Place made
    Beacon, Dutchess County, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Clothing-Historical
    Type
    bomber jackets
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Lt. Col. Woodrow W. Crockett
    Object number
    2012.43.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5fc87178e-cd01-4bca-87aa-b6fb9e85fcb1
  • Tuskegee Airmen scrapbook compiled by Daisy Crockett

    Created by
    Crockett, Daisy, American
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    332d Fighter Group, American, 1942 - 1949
    99th Pursuit Squadron, American, 1941 - 1949
    100th Fighter Squadron, American, 1942 - 1945
    Davis, Benjamin O. Jr., American, 1912 - 2002
    Maj. Hall, Charles B., American, 1920 - 1971
    The Chicago Defender, American, founded 1905
    Pittsburgh Courier, American, 1907 - 1965
    Rouzeau, Edgar T., 1905 - 1958
    Crockett, Woodrow W., American, 1918 - 2012
    477th Bombardment Group, American, 1943 - 1947
    Date
    1943-1945
    Medium
    paper, ink on newsprint, cardboard, imitation leather
    Dimensions
    14 1/2 x 12 x 2 3/4 in. (36.8 x 30.5 x 7 cm)
    Description
    A scrapbook filled with newspaper and magazine clippings related to the missions and lives of the Tuskegee Airmen between 1943 and 1945. The scrapbook was compiled by Daisy Crockett, the wife of airman Woodrow W. Crockett. The pages of the scrapbook are bound between two faux leather covers with an open binding on the left side. The cover is red with tooled designs and features two small children dressed in Dutch clothing colored in gold. Below the figures the words [Scrap Book] appear in relief.
    The scrapbook is approximately 80 sheets of paper with all but the last 3-4 pages filled with hundreds of clippings, predominantly from magazines and newspapers. The source of most of the clippings is not identified, but those that are identified come from a number of publications, including the Hawk's Cry (a semi-monthly newsletter from the Tuskegee Institute), Yank Army Weekly, Selfridge Field News, Arkansas Survey-Journal, Pittsburgh Courier, Arkansas Democrat, Chicago Defender, and the Afro-American. Many of the articles from the Pittsburgh Courier were written by Edgar T. Rouzeau and feature the double VV for victory campaign. The articles focus almost exclusively on the Tuskegee Airmen and their service. Benjamin O. Davis, Charles B. Hall, Capt. George Spencer Roberts, Othal Dickson, Charles H. Debow, Col. Robert Selway, Bishop John A. Gregg, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the 100th fighter squadron, the 332d Fighter Group, the 553d Fighter-Bomber Squadron, and the 477th Bombardment Group are prominently featured.
    There is a small paper parachute folded and placed between two pages near the middle of the book. There are also a series of full page pictures of different aircraft flown by the USAAF.
    Place made
    Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States, North and Central America
    Place depicted
    Tuskegee Army Air Field, Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
    Selfridge Field, Macomb County, Michigan, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Type
    scrapbooks
    Topic
    Families
    Mass media
    Military
    Segregation
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Lt. Col. Woodrow W. Crockett
    Object number
    2012.43.4
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5bd4e6171-e45a-4a54-ac85-7a41de14b512
  • Replica of Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal issued to Dr. William Brown

    Created by
    United States Mint, American, founded 1792
    Received by
    Dr. Brown, William Neal, American, 1919 - 2009
    Subject of
    Tuskegee Airmen, 1941 - 1946
    Date
    2007
    Medium
    copper alloy, metal, velvet, silk (textile), paper (fiber product)
    Dimensions
    Diameter (medal): 3 x 1/4 in. (7.6 x 0.6 cm)
    2012.127.1b (velvet box): 1 3/16 x 5 x 5 in. (3 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm)
    2012.127.1c (cardboard box): 1 5/16 x 5 3/8 x 5 3/8 in. (3.3 x 13.7 x 13.7 cm)
    Description
    Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal. The medal is round with raised lettering and images. Lettering across the top reads [TUSKEGEE AIRMEN]. Central image of three men facing left, pictured from the shoulder up. All are wearing military hats. The man on the left is wearing a flight helmet. Underneath is an image of an eagle with outstretched wings. On either side of the image is raised lettering. It reads [1941 / 1949]. Lettering on the bottom edge, just right of center, reads [PH]. Along the top edge of the back is a graphic of a banner with raised lettering that reads [ACT OF CONGRESS]. Lettering under the banner reads [2006]. In the center is an image of three airplanes, increasing in size from top to bottom. Lettering at the bottom reads [OUTSTANDING COMBAT RECORD / INSPIRED REVOLUTIONARY REFORM / IN THE / ARMED FORCES]. The medal is in a navy blue velvet United States Mint box. The inside of the lid is lined with white fabric. It features a gold image of the United States Seal with gold lettering underneath. The lettering reads [UNITED STATES MINT]. The eagle from the U.S. seal is in the bottom right corner of the outside of the lid, in gold metal. The velvet box is inside a navy blue paper box with a gold image of the U.S. seal centered on the front. Lettering under the seal reads [UNITED STATES MINT].
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Type
    medallions (medals)
    Topic
    Military
    Tuskegee Airmen
    World War II
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Suzanne Zimmer, Long Time Partner of Dr. William Neal Brown
    Object number
    2012.127.1abc
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5287f5e4e-03e7-435e-afe1-9f5251b5a977
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Museum Address

1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

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