Personal Narrative Film, Video Manuscript/Mixed Material Photo, Print, Drawing Audio Recording Lee A. Archer, Jr. Collection
Veterans History Project Service Summary:
- War or Conflict: World War, 1939-1945
- Branch of Service: Army Air Forces/Corps
- Unit of Service: 302nd Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group
- Location of Service: North Africa; Europe; Guam (Mariana Islands); Asia; Canal Zone, Panama; Italy
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Collection Number: AFC/2001/001/44004
Inspired by stories of WWI combat pilots dueling in the skies over Europe, Lee Archer yearned to fly in service of his country. He got his chance in World War II, though initially thwarted by the racial policies of the Armed Forces. Rejected by the Army Air Corps at the beginning of the war, Archer was invited in 1942 to join the Tuskegee Experiment to train African American men to fly. Tuskegee-trained pilots compiled a perfect record in escorting U.S. bombers over Europe, and Archer relished the opportunity to take on German planes. His confirmed four victories--three in one memorable day--attested to his skill and courage.
Interview / Recording
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Lee A. Archer, Jr. Collection
Interview / Recording
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About this Item
Title
- Lee A. Archer, Jr. Collection
Names
- McDowell, Ivonne C.
- Winchester, Brad
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Public & Intergovernmental Affairs
- Archer Jr., Lee A.
Home State
- New York (State)
Headings
- - Archer Jr., Lee A.
- - World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal Narratives
- - United States. Army Air Forces/Corps.
Repository
- Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Gender
- Male
Race
- Black or African American
Status
- veteran
Service History
-
World War, 1939-1945
- Branch of Service: Army Air Forces/Corps
- Unit of Service: 302nd Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group
- Location of Service: North Africa; Europe; Guam (Mariana Islands); Asia; Canal Zone, Panama; Italy
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Dates of Service: 1941-1970
- Entrance into Service: Enlisted
- Military Status: veteran
- Service History Note: Member of the Tuskegee Airmen as a pilot. He flew combat missions in the "Macon Belle." Archer also noted that there was strict segregation. Veteran also served in the Army and Air Force.
Materials
- Video: DVD [1 item] -- Reference copy (collected 2004-02; 2010-03-04)
- Audio: DAT [1 item] -- Oral history interview (collected 2004-03-24)
- Video: DVCAM [1 item] -- Oral history interview (collected 2004-02)
- Manuscript: Biography [1 item] -- Typewritten document (collected 2004)
Collection Number
- AFC/2001/001/44004
Cite as
- Lee A. Archer, Jr. Collection (AFC/2001/001/44004), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Online Format
- audio
- image
- video