In this Book

summary

A moving personal account by one of the first Tuskegee airmen which illustrates the period of racial integration in American military and civilian life

A-Train is the story of one of the black Americans who, during World War II, graduated from Tuskegee (AL) Flying School and served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps’ 99th Pursuit Squadron. Charles W. Dryden presents a fast-paced, balanced, and personal account of what it was like to prepare for a career traditionally closed to African Americans, how he coped with the frustrations and dangers of combat, and how he, along with many fellow black pilots, navigators, bombardiers, and crewmen, emerged with a magnificent war record.

Under the command of Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the Tuskegee airmen fought over North Africa, Sicily, and Europe, escorting American bomber crews who respected their "no-losses" record. Some were shot down, many of them were killed or captured by the enemy, and several won medals of valor and honor. But the airmen still faced great barriers of racial prejudice in the armed forces and at home. As a member of that elite group of young pilots who fought for their country overseas while being denied civil liberties at home, Dryden presents an eloquent story that will touch each and every reader.




 

Table of Contents

restricted access Download Full Book
  1. Cover
  2. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Title Page, Copyright, Dedication
  2. pp. i-vi
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Contents
  2. pp. vii-viii
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Foreword
  2. pp. ix-x
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Prologue
  2. pp. xi-xiv
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Acknowledgments
  2. pp. xv-xviii
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Part I: Before Desegregation
  1. Chapter 1. Dismissed! (July 1944)
  2. p. 3
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 2. Why? (July 1944)
  2. pp. 4-6
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 3. The Fledgling (1920-1941)
  2. pp. 7-20
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 4. Off to Tuskegee (August 1941)
  2. pp. 21-35
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 5. Aviation Cadets (August 1941-April 1942)
  2. pp. 36-67
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 6. Nest of Black Eagles (April 1942-April 1943)
  2. pp. 68-106
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 7. Fighting 99th: Over There! (April 1943-September 1943)
  2. pp. 107-147
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 8. Arrivederci, Sicily! (September 1943-1944)
  2. pp. 148-166
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 9. "You're Not Ready!" (1944-July 1945)
  2. pp. 167-193
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 10. Fighting 99th: Over Here! (July 1945-February 1946)
  2. pp. 194-204
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 11. Camelot! (February 1946-June 1949)
  2. pp. 205-242
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Part II: After Desegregation
  1. Chapter 12. Lonely Eagles (June 1949-July 1950)
  2. pp. 245-259
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 13. Over There—Again! (July 1950-February 1953)
  2. pp. 260-296
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 14. Sayonara! (February 1952-September 1957)
  2. pp. 297-318
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 15. Guten Tag, West Germany (September 1957-May 1959)
  2. pp. 319-347
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 16. Auf Wiedersehen! (May 1959-January 1962)
  2. pp. 348-374
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Chapter 17. Twilight of a Lonely Eagle (January 1962-August 1962)
  2. pp. 375-383
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. 18. Contrails (Timeless)
  2. pp. 384-390
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Epilogue
  2. pp. 391-394
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Glossary
  2. pp. 395-408
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Bibliography
  2. pp. 409-410
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
  1. Index
  2. pp. 411-421
  3. restricted access
    • Download PDF Download
Back To Top

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Without cookies your experience may not be seamless.