South King News

The Freeman Field Mutiny is a lesser-known chapter in the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, Black aviators from World War II. The 477th Bombardment Group, activated in January 1944 at Selfridge Army Air Field near Detroit, Michigan, was created to prepare Black aviators for post-war aviation jobs with multi-engine aircraft used by commercial airlines. Despite not seeing combat, the group is remembered for a mutiny that contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.

The 477th faced systemic racism and discrimination from its inception. Unlike White flight groups who became combat-ready within months, the 477th was still not declared combat-ready a year after activation despite logging over 14,000 hours before their first accident. The delays were attributed to systemic racism within the Army and wider American culture.

The segregation policies enforced by Major General Frank O. Hunter and Colonel Robert R. Selway hindered progress for the group. Gen. Hunter declared there would be no “racial mixing” on bases under his command, while Col. Selway implemented segregation practices such as dividing base facilities by race.

The relocation of the unit several times did not help their training schedule or morale. At Freeman Air Field in Seymour, Indiana, they faced explicit racism both on and off-base. Col. Selway's attempt to bypass Army Regulation 210-10 led to further tensions when he restricted access to an Officer’s Club based on race.

On April 5, 1945, under guidance from Lt. Coleman Young, Black officers attempted to enter the Officer's Club but were denied entry initially and later arrested upon returning the next night after refusing to sign a document acknowledging racial segregation policies.

America’s Black press reported on these events leading Congress to take action. Eventually, charges against most officers were dropped except for three individuals including Lt. Roger Terry who faced court-martial resulting in fines and discharge.

Col. Selway was relieved of his command following these events although neither he nor Gen. Hunter faced trial for their actions.

In recognition of their efforts decades later in 1995 Lt.Terry received a Presidential pardon acknowledging past injustices suffered during this period.

While overshadowed by Germany's surrender shortly afterward these events marked significant strides toward equality through non-violent protest tactics later seen throughout subsequent Civil Rights Movements across America making it an important yet often overlooked story from WWII history books today.