The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots and aircrew who served during World War II. They were trained at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, becoming the first black military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. Their successful missions helped challenge racial stereotypes and paved the way for the integration of the military. The Tuskegee Airmen flew various aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang, and were known for their exceptional performance in combat. They earned numerous awards and accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, and played a crucial role in the fight for civil rights and equality in the U.S. military.