Painting honors Tuskegee Airmen

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON --  A painting honoring the famed 332nd Fighter Group of Tuskegee Airmen was unveiled during a ceremony in the Pentagon on June 24.

In the painting, artist Mickey Harris depicts then-Lieutenant Luke Weathers at the controls of his P-51 Mustang escorting a damaged B-24 Liberator back to England following a bombing mission in Germany. In the distance are Nazi fighter planes closing in to finish off the bomber.

During the actual World War II encounter, Lieutenant Weathers was able to score two enemy kills and chase the other attack planes away. His actions continued the fighter group’s perfect record of never losing a bomber entrusted to their protection to enemy forces during the war.

Also unveiled during the ceremony was a portrait of Lieutenant Weathers which was painted by Mr. Harris's son, Matthew.

Mr. Harris and the now retired lieutenant colonel met during a similar ceremony at the Pentagon two years ago when the artist’s Memphis Belle painting was unveiled. During the chance meeting, Mr. Harris became intrigued with the feats of the Tuskegee Airmen as Colonel Weathers described the mission that the artist ended up choosing to portray.

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley told those gathered for the unveiling that the legacy and history of the Tuskegee Airmen continues to live in current operations worldwide. He thanked the history-making Airmen for all they did and what they taught America.

The gathering included several members of Congress, Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche, and other Tuskegee Airmen and their families.