non profit june known maintains flies world war era north american twice restored aircraft flies create interest history accomplishments members world war era known airmen distinctive red markings tails flew war gave organization african american originally flew sorties bomber escorts eventually airmen originally white military acquired right fly combat missions acquired original include educational program took charge aircraft restoration developed idea named distinctive red paint airmen aircraft originally conceived restoration project evolved education program restored mechanical failure caused crash death pilot retired commander airmen endorsed encouraged aircraft second restoration newly restored debut wisconsin 1990s raised million aircraft ongoing maintenance associated educational programs featured documentary films red flight airmen airmen popular group african american pilots fought world war unit african american military united_states armed forces world war united_states african americans subjected laws american military racially segregated legal social prejudice prevented airmen flying combat missions despite airmen flew distinction airmen received congressional gold medal airfield trained designated sources claimed airmen perfect record missions bomber escorts recent research revealed lost bombers conclusion world war united_states_army sold military surplus today montana bought aircraft parked campus engineering building according red tail internet movie database page prank drunken students aircraft campus late 1940s aircraft secured ground steel concrete essentially left montana occasional coat silver paint university wanted add parking lot bought provided remove campus hours winning bid promptly montana necessitated removal wings circular saw aircraft arrived wings fuselage frustrated restoration efforts creek donated aircraft shipped organization home base texas awaiting restoration aircraft endured hurricane described erroneously documentary storm earlier storm regardless hurricane exposed numerous parts aircraft damage volunteers attempted rehab aircraft minneapolis minnesota texas iowa finally late 1980s home southern minnesota wing completed restoration mitchell bomber miss mitchell noting need restoration energy talents emerging project aircraft existing existence flying worth million history approximately members fleet aircraft educational association purpose pay tribute american military aviation flight exhibition remembrance collecting restoring flying vintage historical aircraft half century 1990s began restoring branches organization attempted restore found task capabilities served andrew turner retired united_states_navy commander based minnesota heard project enlisted experts named effort red tail project originally restoration attempted field assistance outside contractors aircraft airborne named airmen included numerous air shows tell history pilot group aircraft flew estimated million people envisioned educational program restored aircraft minnesota drive rolls engine failed successfully landed aircraft houses residential suburb wings ripped body badly damaged tree damaged crash fell causing head trauma recover airmen decided restore aircraft year restoration occurred primary fatal collision owner half dozen volunteer aviation mechanics contributed effort pick left rebuilding continued mounting engine mating wing july days wisconsin flight flown wisconsin public debut returned minnesota escort aircraft served tribute military fallen volunteer driven organization changed completed construction additional tool help tell story pilots support personnel known appear air shows goes schools youth oriented venues documentary crash restoration impetus nationwide fund raising effort attracted attention independent film maker time filming documentary vintage aircraft restoration called attracted aircraft cause historical documentary red tail won recognition home state ohio broadcast february subsequently released dvd march year narrated star trek fame pilot owner film documents difficulties restoration airmen following year pbs picked film black history month programming white completed sequel flight minute film released restoration completed cost million profit sought raise million fund initial restoration organization held types events raise funds community based organizations adopted project example aircraft restored august red tail run held motorcycle vehicle run starts harry stern airport raises money project organization hired fund raising specialist firm develop direct mail fund raising program preserve legacy airmen aviation education going forward group plans add mobile exhibition form semi trailer truck foot semi trailer educational traveling exhibition program entitled rise intended exhibitions introduced consists foot long semi trailer tractor trailer colorful graphics sides sides houses foot long curved movie screen plus comfortable seating guests climate controlled original movie called rise developed filmed specifically unique movie screen shown traveling exhibit goes air shows spends weeks year schools places young people idea story overcame obstacles setting goals working meet directly students benefit hearing airmen experiences sponsored
Red Tail Squadron