Tuskegee Airmen movie, exhibit at PSC Nov. 13 and 14

In celebration of Veterans Day, Prairie State College is hosting a special exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 13 and 14.
 

The commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron’s “Rise Above” movie will be shown from 3 to 5 p.m. both days. The last showing will be at 4:30 p.m. This is a free exhibit.

The Tuskegee Airmen were African-American military pilots who served with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Because the U.S. military was segregated, these men formed their own unit and trained at Moton Field, the Tuskegee Army Air Field near Tuskegee, Alabama.

The “Rise Above” movie is shown on a panoramic screen that will make visitors feel as though they are in the cockpit of a P-51C Mustang, the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen. The film highlights the courage and determination of the Tuskegee Airmen and features footage of the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s actions.

 

The Tuskegee Airmen flew four different planes, but became most commonly associated with the North American P-51 Mustang. When the pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group painted the tails of their Republic P-47s red, the nickname “Red Tails” was coined. 
 

The red markings that distinguished the Tuskegee Airmen included red bands on the noses of P-51s as well as a red rudder; the P-51B and D Mustangs flew with similar color schemes, with red propeller spinners, yellow wing bands and all-red tail surfaces.

Guests at the PSC event should look for a traveling semi-trailer that serves as a mobile movie theater. The trailer will be in Prairie State College parking lot C on the south side of Vollmer Road near Halsted Street.
 

In addition, a World War II museum exhibit will be open for viewing in the PSC atrium.

For additional information on this exhibit, contact George Sanon at PSC at 708-709-3567 or at [email protected].