"We knew we dare not fail," said Dryden. "Failure was not an option. We had to succeed. In 200 escort missions, escorting heavy bombers on their way to targets deep in enemy territory — our outfit never lost a friendly bomber to enemy aircraft. Never. No other outfit can match that claim.
"It's quite arguable that the exploits of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II led directly to President Truman's desegregation of the armed forces in 1948."
That's just what any pilot flying in harm's way would need — more pressure. The Tuskegee Airmen were not only fighting for their lives and their country, they flew with the burden of the denied hopes and dreams of a generation of African-Americans.
Dryden published his memoirs in 1997, A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman, and in so doing reflected on his military career and the years that followed.
"Overseas assignments to Germany and in the far east during the Korean War — all of those were memorable events," said Dryden. "I was able through my service in the Air Force to complete my college training, receiving my bachelor's degree from Hofstra University and a master's from Columbia University."
Dryden has lived a remarkable life. He's seen the world and was not only an eyewitness to history, he made history during some of the most important moments of the 20th century. Still, one moment stands out for him.
"The most exciting day I had was the day that my wings were pinned on me on April 29, 1942," he said. "I had been dreaming about flying ever since I was an infant. For this to happen, my dream of becoming a military pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps, it was the dream of a lifetime."
At the end of our conversation, I gushed as I told him I felt I had learned more history in a few moments with him than I had in all the history classes I had taken in school. I was profoundly moved by his story, and the dignity with which he told it. I still am.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Tip o' the hat to you and the Colonel.
2 - Eric Berlin
Incredible story and well told Josh. I saw an HBO movie some years ago about the airmen -- I believe it starred Lawrence Fishburne, come to think of it. I have the utmost respect for the Tuskegee Airmen -- and I'm glad they're getting accolades and attention.
3 - Josh
Thanks El B and EB! EB, I did talk to Col. Dryden about that very film. He thought it was a good film, but as you might expect said it was very much a docudrama rather than a documentary.
4 - Mat Brewster
Very nice DJR, I mean Josh. I can't imagine the stuff those guys went through.
5 - Anonymous
They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, not the Medal of Honor.
Still, well deserved!
6 - Josh
You are correct, Anonymous. I made an error and have now corrected it. I thought I proofread this carefully and had everything squared away but did not. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
7 - DukeDeMondo
Excellent article here, Josh. And there you go, you've passed on that story to someone who knew nowt about it, i.e, myself. more than this, you did so in a wonderfully heartfelt, infectiously enthusiastic manner. great story, aye, and great writing.
8 - Mary K. Williams
I left a heartfelt comment before, but it got flagged as spam. Damn!
Anyway..great job Josh, these stories need to be told.
9 - MBD
Cynical perhaps, but why did Bush do it at this time?
Could it be the need for a diversion from all the bad press he's been getting?
A White House staff of hundreds is good at creating diversions.
From the point of view of when Bush should have done this, it should have been done six years ago.
From the point of view of when the country should have done it, it is over 60 years late.
10 - Josh
Thanks Mary and Duke. I appreciate that a lot. Sir Mary, I am sorry you continue to be drowned out by the spam police. It's a travesty.
MBD... I'm not going to assign blame. As you said, many presidents had the opportunity to do this and didn't. President Bush did, and the award is deserved. I'm content to leave it at that. The AP photos from the Yahoo! link show Speaker Pelosi, Sen. Reid, and other prominent members of both parties in attendance. In short, President Bush did the right thing and I don't think any accusations of partisanship have been made.
Beyond that, the event didn't get the coverage it should have and President Bush will not likely see any bounce in the polls as a result. There is a time and place to look beyond the jersey we're wearing. This is one of them.
11 - Evelyn Allen Johnson
As the wife of a Tuskegee Airman, I was privileged to attend the Congressional Gold Medal Award Ceremony. Although overdue, it was moving, impressive and a life experience that I shall never forget. Your candid, well presented story and my witnessing the Award Ceremony allows me to believe that America is coming to its senses and realizing the penalties of discrimination against Blacks. I am a writer and plan to write this experience for my children's heritage. I hope it will be made available to the public. My historical novel, PILLAR OF SALT, which reveals the hurt feelings, physical and psychological damage done to Blacks due to discrimination and segregation, is on the market now. However,due to continued feelings that Blacks have nothing of merit to offer that can generate revenue because it involves Blacks, that Blacks posess no talents and that it would therefore be a waste of time to read a Black author's work,or those who do not wish to experience a guilt trip because they know that a Black writer must have been affected in some way by discrimination and segregation and this will be reflected in his/her writings, it remains practically unknown to the public. It is deplorable that so much of our contributions to America and our attributes have been and remain intentionally hidden. I hope that you will read this novel and obtain a better understanding of what we Blacks have had to endure and overcome, also the damage prejudice against us has cost not just Blacks but Whites and all of America. Prejudice against us Black people is an evil and as proven by the Tuskegee Airmen, a travesty based on lies and misconceptions perpetuated through ignorance. PILLAR OF SALT is my contribution, not near as great as the Tuskegee Airmen, but in the same category. I hope you will take the time to obtain and read this story which will not only enlighten but promote understanding and respect for American Blacks. (Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com or your favorite book store. Thank you for your unbiased, informative and sensitive remarks. God bless you and The Tuskegee Airmen.
Mrs. Raymond L. Johnson,Sr(Evelyn Allen Johnson)
12 - anonymous
As part of a government class project, we as a group went out into the community to interview individuals about their opinions of what the word or notion of "America" means to them. Almost done collecting the material we needed, we decided to get one more interview when we saw a few people standing outside of a restaurant nearby. This elderly man was kind enough to let us interview him, and humbly did not mention who he was until his niece brought it to our attention that this was Charles Dryden, recently awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I am still amazed, but have an infinite amount of respect for this man and all that he has done for us. We know what America means to him; what does it mean to you?
13 - Jerry
The Tuskeegee Airmen are truely American Hero's! There's no question about that. They certainly carved their names in American and Aviation History for all time. However, I'm curious as to which unit of the Tuskeegee Airmen did not loose bombers they were escorting? There were bombers lost while they were escorting. I'll give specifics if needed.
14 - A G Smith
To answer Jerry's question, it was the 332nd fighter group. They never lost a bomber they escorted to fire from enemy planes. They also shot
down the first ME 262 german jets of the war. I met Col. Dryden and was also awe struck by the man.
15 - A G Smith
I am sadden to learn of Col Dryden's passing. A quote comes to mind" Old Soldiers Never die, They
just Fade Away" These HEROES are fading away.We must remember as they icons in history that they are.