Tuskegee Airmen By jd.drendel Feb 2, 1917 The airmen tried to become aerial observers Apr 3, 1939 Appropriations Bill Public Law 18 was passed to give funds for the african americans pilots. Feb 5, 1941 The army corps were forced to fund an all black air unit. Feb 19, 1941 271 men enlisted in Rantoul, IL, at the Chanute airfield, Apr 16, 1943 The pilots were finally ready for combat. May 30, 1943 The 99th flew their first mission, which was to attack the small island Pantelleria. Jul 12, 1944 The 99th was added to the 332nd and their primary mission changed to escort ww2 bombers to their destination.