Apple TV+'s Masters of the Air was a standout success in 2024, bringing key moments of World War II to life with historical accuracy. One storyline that received some focus was the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots in U.S. history. However, while the series highlights their heroism, many aspects of their story are left untold. Fortunately, HBO’s film The Tuskegee Airmen offers a closer look at their story.

Featuring a star-studded cast, including Laurence Fishburne, the film dramatizes the Airmen’s experiences. While Masters of the Air provides an interesting but limited depiction, The Tuskegee Airmen presents a more detailed account of the challenges these men faced, making it essential viewing for anyone wanting to fully understand this incredible chapter in history.

Based on a true story, The Tuskegee Airmen follows the first Black military pilots in U.S. history during World War II. The film centers on Hannibal “Iowa” Lee Jr. (Laurence Fishburne) and his fellow cadets who arrive at the Tuskegee Army Airfield with dreams of flying, only to confront racism and discrimination.

Under the scrutiny of commanding officers, the pilots must prove themselves in a military system that regularly doubts their abilities. However, despite obstacles, including exhaustive training and deliberate attempts to undermine their success and losses, the Tuskegee Airmen refused to back down. As they prove their skills, they are eventually deployed to North Africa, where they.

The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen remains a defining moment in WWII. The story begins with the formation of the Red Tails in 1940, when President Roosevelt decided to create an all-Black flying unit, overruling his top generals. From 1941 to 1946, more than 1,000 African American pilots were trained at the Tuskegee Army Airfield, overcoming racial discrimination and later becoming some of the most skilled aviators of World War II.

After training, the Tuskegee Airmen were deployed overseas, initially serving in North Africa before joining the war effort in Europe. By 1943, the Red Tails were actively engaged in escorting Allied bombers across enemy territory, protecting them from German fighter attacks. Flying more than 15,000 sorties, they earned a reputation for their success in escort missions and maintained one of the lowest bomber loss records of any escort group in the U.S. Air Forces. Naturally, their achievements in combat earned them numerous awards, including Distinguished Flying Crosses, Purple Hearts, and Distinguished Unit Citations. However, their most significant victory was proving that African American pilots could perform just as well, if not better, than their white counterparts.

Their success led to the eventual desegregation of the armed forces in 1948, after President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 (mandating the full integration of all branches of the U.S. military.) The Tuskegee Airmen’s bravery and skill broke the justification for segregation in the military, proving that racial discrimination had no place in a force sworn to defend freedom and democracy. Their service also marked a turning point in the civil rights movement.

Even now, decades after their service, the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen continues to be honored. Many of the pilots went on to have distinguished careers in aviation, while others became leaders in the fight for racial equality. In 2007, surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing their contributions to both the war effort and the fight for racial justice.

The Tuskegee Airmen does dramatize this chapter in history, but it remains a relatively true representation. The film’s characters, such as Hannibal Lee Jr., are fictional but represent the many real-life men who fought under the banner of the Tuskegee Airmen.While not all characters are based on real people, the challenges they face – racism, doubt and the struggle to prove their worth – are based on real experiences. Notably, the film also includes historical figures like General Benjamin Davis Jr. and Eleanor Roosevelt, whose actual involvement with the Tuskegee program adds to its authenticity.

Despite the fictionalized elements, the film remains a fairly accurate depiction of the Tuskegee Airmen’s achievements and struggles. While Masters of the Air provides a more modern lens on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, behind these incredible aviators, making it a must-watch for anyone looking to learn more about their contributions to World War II and American history.

In just one season, Masters of the Air has accurately depicted real-life World War II events, with its portrayal of the heroic Tuskegee Airmen starting in episode eight. As part of the 332nd Fighter Group, or “Red Tails”, these pilots are shown fighting against both enemies and systemic racism within the military.

The portrayal kicks off with a dramatic sequence just days before D-Day in 1944, where four Tuskegee Airmen planes fly in formation during a bombing run over Italy. Following this, the show depicts a conversation between the pilots, highlighting the racism within the military. As they discuss the disparity in their ranks, the show touches on the real-life frustrations of the Tuskegee Airmen—why, despite their skills and heroic feats, they remained only 2nd and 1st Lieutenants, while other pilots earned higher ranks. The episode then continues to show their skills and bravery in a dangerous operation over France. The mission pushes their P-51s to their limits, and while they successfully carry out their orders, Jefferson, Macon, and Daniels are all shot down. The trio then faces a German interrogation, enduring similar treatment to that of the white pilots previously shown in the series. The Tuskegee Airmen refused to break, giving only their names and ranks.

While the series is accurate in its portrayal, not only of the Tuskegee Airmen but of other events from the War, For Masters of the Air fans who were captivated by the Tuskegee Airmen’s story, the 1995 film is a must-watch. The Tuskegee Airmen expands on the story, offering a more detailed look at the challenges these pilots faced – from their training and the critical missions they flew in North Africa, to their battle for respect within a segregated military. It’s an incredible story that offers a deeper dive into the inspirational true history of these pilots, beyond the trio depicted in Masters of the Air.

The Tuskegee Airmen’s story is one of perseverance, courage and triumph against overwhelming odds. While Masters of the Air introduces viewers to their legacy, it only scratches the surface of their incredible story. With its strong performances and historical accuracy, The Tuskegee Airmen stands as an essential watch alongside Masters of the Air. It expands on the events briefly touched upon in the series, offering a more detailed exploration of the pilots who changed history. Whether you’re a fan of war films, and historical dramas or simply want to learn more about this chapter in American history, The Tuskegee Airmen is an important film that helps keep their story alive for future generations.