American Experience Presents

Get Me Airborne

Jul 2, 2025
Harold Brown, a distinguished Tuskegee Airman and WWII veteran, shares his remarkable journey as a pilot and POW. He recounts his thrilling missions, including a daring attack that led to his capture. Brown discusses the camaraderie among soldiers in captivity and the irony of experiencing integration while imprisoned. He emphasizes how the military’s progress in racial integration was a precursor to broader civil rights advancements in America. His powerful legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for justice and equality.
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ANECDOTE

Captured and Rescued in WWII

  • Harold Brown was shot down over Germany during WWII and faced an angry mob but was saved by a constable who intervened.
  • He spent time as a POW in Germany until liberation by American forces.
ANECDOTE

Harold's Childhood and Dream

  • Harold Brown grew up in a diverse community in Minneapolis, different from his parents' experiences in Alabama.
  • His mother initially wanted him to be a pianist, but he declared his ambition to become a pilot at age 11.
ANECDOTE

Joining the Tuskegee Airmen

  • Harold Brown applied and was accepted to the Tuskegee Airmen pilot training despite racial quotas and opposition.
  • He trained in segregated facilities but made it through a very selective program to become a fighter pilot.
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