Soaring to Glory: A Tuskegee Airman's Firsthand Account of World War II

Only 14 of the approximately 1,000 Tuskegee Airmen-the famed black aviators who fought in World War II-are still living today. This is the remarkable first-person account of one of those 14 men, Lt. Colonel Harry T. Stewart, Jr, who flew 43 combat missions in Italy—including one legendary mission in which he shot down three German planes in one day. Stewart and his fellow pilots faced segregation, prejudice, and disrespect--and still, day after day, they took to the skies to battle America's enemies.

About the Author :
Philip Handleman is the author of twenty-three aviation books and recipient of awards for his contributions to aviation, including the Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award from the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum. Mr. Handleman is a longtime pilot who flies antique aircraft out of his private airport. He belongs to more than 30 aviation organizations. Lieutenant Colonel Harry T. Stewart, Jr., USAF (ret.) flew forty-three combat missions as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II. For his flying prowess with the famed 332nd Fighter Group, popularly known as the Red Tails, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Review :
“All Americans owe Harry Stewart Jr. and his fellow airmen a huge debt for defending our country during World War II. In addition, they have inspired generations of African American youth to follow their dreams.” “All Americans owe Harry Stewart Jr. and his fellow airmen a huge debt for defending our country during World War II. In addition, they have inspired generations of African American youth to follow their dreams.” “In Soaring to Glory, my friend Harry Stewart’s extraordinary life is beautifully told by another friend, Philip Handleman. The struggles of the Tuskegee Airmen and our success against enormous odds makes for inspiring reading. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about the pioneering flyers who broke barriers and changed the world!” “In Soaring to Glory, my friend Harry Stewart’s extraordinary life is beautifully told by another friend, Philip Handleman. The struggles of the Tuskegee Airmen and our success against enormous odds makes for inspiring reading. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about the pioneering flyers who broke barriers and changed the world!” “It is marvelous when a fascinating, well-written book turns out to be socially important as well. Soaring to Glory is exactly that, and arrives at a time when its message is badly needed by the nation. This is a book that can be recommended for a wide variety of reasons, the most important of which is the standard it sets for aviation literature.” “It is marvelous when a fascinating, well-written book turns out to be socially important as well. Soaring to Glory is exactly that, and arrives at a time when its message is badly needed by the nation. This is a book that can be recommended for a wide variety of reasons, the most important of which is the standard it sets for aviation literature.” “Starting in the early 1940s, Tuskegee Institute was at the forefront of helping prepare young African-American pilots to fight for freedom in the skies. Harry Stewart is one of those aspiring aviators who came to our campus as a first step in earning their wings, and then went on to become proudly identified as a Tuskegee Airman. His story of serving our country and overcoming obstacles—not to mention the legacy the Tuskegee Airmen leave us with—is an inspiration for us all.” “Starting in the early 1940s, Tuskegee Institute was at the forefront of helping prepare young African-American pilots to fight for freedom in the skies. Harry Stewart is one of those aspiring aviators who came to our campus as a first step in earning their wings, and then went on to become proudly identified as a Tuskegee Airman. His story of serving our country and overcoming obstacles—not to mention the legacy the Tuskegee Airmen leave us with—is an inspiration for us all.” “This book is a masterpiece. It captures the essence of the Tuskegee Airmen’s experience from the perspective of one who lived it. The action sequences make me feel I’m back in the cockpit of my P-51C ‘Kitten’! If you want to know what it was like fighting German interceptors in European skies while winning equal opportunity at home, be sure to read this book!” “This book is a masterpiece. It captures the essence of the Tuskegee Airmen’s experience from the perspective of one who lived it. The action sequences make me feel I’m back in the cockpit of my P-51C ‘Kitten’! If you want to know what it was like fighting German interceptors in European skies while winning equal opportunity at home, be sure to read this book!” "[Soaring to Glory] tells about the struggle and the greatness of the Tuskegee airmen. If you really want to know what they accomplished and how they did it, this is the book to read. Not just black Americans, but all Americans need to know this story." "[Soaring to Glory] tells about the struggle and the greatness of the Tuskegee airmen. If you really want to know what they accomplished and how they did it, this is the book to read. Not just black Americans, but all Americans need to know this story."