Alexander Jefferson's autobiographical work "Red Tail Captured, Red Tail Free" narrates the tale of the Tuskegee Airmen, who were the first African Americans to fly in the US military during World War II. Jefferson, a Tuskegee Airman, talks about his astonishing journey from being a Nazi German prisoner of war to being set free and returning to the United States. Jefferson's account not only describes his own experiences but also the more significant challenges the African American military faced during a time of racial discrimination and segregation. This critical analysis assesses the literary merits, historical significance, and themes of Jefferson's story to look more closely at it. The author of "Red Tail Captured, Red Tail Free" is Alexander Jefferson. He …show more content…
To dodge the draft, however, Jefferson signed up for service. The 1940 Selective Taking and Savings Act made it legal for men to be conscripted into the military. During World War 11, millions of young Americans were conscripted into the armed forces. Jefferson completed basic training to acquire military discipline, physical fitness, and fundamental combat skills before joining the armed forces. Nonetheless, Jefferson underwent specialized aviation training, which included combat and flight school. Founded in 1941, the Tuskegee Worm Air Field served as a training ground for African American pilots, navigators, bombardiers, and support staff. After completing his training, Jefferson served as a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American Military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. He flew combat missions in Europe, providing escort for bombers and engaging enemy aircraft in aerial combat. As a member of the 32nd fighter group, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen, Jefferson was flying a P-51 Mustand on August 12, 1944, on a mission over France. Due to this occurrence, German forces were able to seize