Members of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen are John L. Harrison Jr., left, Henry L. Moore and Eugene Richardson work to keep story alive.
Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen extend patriotism through sharing rich history and legacy
By Albert C. Jones
America, The Diversity Place
CAMDEN, New Jersey — Three Tuskegee Airmen were met aboard the Battleship New Jersey docked in the riverbank at The Camden Waterfront. They had come across the Delaware River from Philadelphia to participate in commemorating the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.
That war, which brought forward history, ended on August 14, 1945. Since then, there is no end to the patriotic duties carried out and humanitarian causes to which the Tuskegee Airmen across the United States have supported.
In the annals of that war, it is recorded more than 16,000 African American men and women from all walks of life, coming from across the nation, were part of the “Tuskegee Experience.” They were not just the pilots who flew bomber escorts in the 332nd Fighter Group, but they were also “cadets, flight instructors, ground school instructors, mechanics, mess hall staff and other support personnel.”
Members of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, here on board The Battleship New Jersey, are Tuskegee Airmen John L. Harrison Jr., Henry L. Moore and Eugene Richardson. They have a rich experience and deep mission to “keep the story, legacy and camaraderie of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II alive.”
The chapter Web site gives a succinct description of who these men and women are:
“The stories and legacy are the adversities they overcame, the education and training that prepared them for military service and combat, and their wartime record that changed this nation. We will ensure the legacy continues by telling our story of overcoming adversity by challenging the stereotypes of the day, ensuring that our story continues to be accurately told to inspire others in similar straits and encouraging youth to build a future for themselves through education.”
Harrison, Moore and Richardson, who give a fourfold presentation, are familiar to school children and community groups in the Greater Philadelphia Area, especially in February during Black History Month. Their presentation typically includes their personal biographies and “History of the Tuskegee Airmen,” “African-Americans in Aviation,” “Civil Rights” and “The Importance of Education for Youth.”
Moore, who did his basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey, reached the rank of staff sergeant and crew chief, serving the 302nd, 99th 100th flight squadrons with duty in 1944-45 in Italy.
Richardson, who learned to fly P-40 and P-47 aircraft, reached the rank of 2nd lieutenant. The war ended two months after he completed flight training schools and Richardson never saw combat.
Harrison, a command pilot, graduated with the 1943 Tuskegee class. His biography says he was stationed in Europe, Asia, Africa, Pacific and the Arctic during 22 years of service.
To those in Philadelphia, the Tuskegee Airmen Chapter holds monthly meetings on the fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Administration Regional Center.
Today, among memorabilia and books in their display, are “Lonely Eagles: The Story of America’s Black Air Force in World War II” by Robert A. Rose and “The Tuskegee Airmen: The Men Who Changed A Nation” by Charles Francis.
Scores of men and women are here today to re-enact roles from different branches of the armed services during World War II. Harrison, Moore and Richardson are the real thing. Life Chaplain R.M. Butterwick is also the real thing. He was a Marine who served on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima.
Homage to Tuskegee Airmen was discovered down the road in Walterboro, South Carolina, exit 53, off Interstate 95, en route to the Penn Center on St. Helena Island. The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial in Walterboro is located at the Lowcountry Regional Airport. In August of 1942 the Walterboro Army Airfield base was activated to provide final combat training for the Tuskegee Airmen before they were sent straight into action.
Richardson trained at Walterboro. He returned to Philadelphia from service in 1946, earning an undergraduate degree at Temple, a Master’s degree and doctorate in education from Penn State University. Richardson served an educator in the Philadelphia School System.
Still farther down the road, the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Tuskegee, Alabama honors all of the more than 16,000 African American men and women who were part of the “Tuskegee Experience.”
Tuskegee Airman Eugene Richardson holds display honoring Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. and Brig. Gen. Noel F. Parrish.