Due to its policy of racial segregation and the widespread attitude opposed to any blacks being allowed to fly, it was difficult even as World War II loomed for black Americans to enlist and become military pilots. Bowing to pressure, the Army began training some pilots in 1941. The involvement of the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, who flew with one of the black pilots, further advanced the cause.
A number of pilots who had been trained in Tuskegee, Alabama, eventually became the 332nd Fighter Group and had a distinguished record during engagements over Europe.