Original Tuskegee Airman visits Alaska F-22 Reserve Unit, JBER

by Capt. Ashley Conner
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

2/4/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- An original Tuskegee Airman had the chance to visit with the Airmen of the 477th Fighter Group that are continuing the Tuskegee legacy of excellence here Jan. 31.

After a tour of the 477th Fighter Group headquarters where Tuskegee Airmen photos and memorabilia adorn the walls, retired Lt. Col. Leo R. Gray, a P-51 pilot assigned to the 100th Pursuit Squadron during World War II spoke to Reservists.

"The Tuskegee Airmen experiment is a classic example of overcoming adversity," said Gray. "They said we couldn't do it. But we did. "

Gray joined the Army Air Corps and began his aviation cadet training in 1943. Little more than a year later he graduated from the Tuskegee Army Airfield as a 2nd Lieutenant, single engine pilot.

He arrived in Italy in March 1945 and flew 15 combat missions before the war ended while assigned to the 100th Pursuit Squadron. He eventually amassed a total of 750 flight hours. He left active duty in 1946, but remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1984.

Gray's 100th Pursuit Squadron along with the 301st, 302nd and 99th Pursuit Squadrons all fell under the 332nd Fighter Group, better known as the Red Tails. Today the 302nd Fighter Squadron is Alaska's only Reserve F-22 unit and falls under the 477th Fighter Group, which also traces its lineage back to the another Tuskegee unit, the 477th Bombardment Group.

While the Red Tails were known for their achievements, ultimately flying more than 15,000 sorties with 261 aerial victories to its credit, the group is also known for the adversity it faced.

"Lt. Col. Gray and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen are shining examples of personal and professional courage," said Col. Tyler Otten, 477th Fighter Group commander. "Not only did they exhibit that courage in aerial combat, they displayed it at home in America as they stood for the concept that our nation is stronger and better when we are united. We are thrilled to have him here to share some of his experiences with us and deepen our connection with our unit's Tuskegee heritage. "

Before leaving the 477th Fighter Group to get a tour of the F-22 Grey shared some wisdom and also encouraged service members to continue to better themselves as individuals.

"You are part of our heritage Air Force. People don't know that and it's not widely publicized. The roots are there but it's up to the people to spread the word about our Air Force's history and how you are continuing our legacy," said Grey

In addition to the 477th Fighter Group tour Gray lunched with JBER Airmen, spoke at the 3rd Wing All Call and attended the 673rd Air Base Wing promotion and award ceremony.