12 Apr 2026
17m

Dozens of Black pilots disappeared during WWII. Who are the men still lost?

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Up First from NPR

The podcast explores the untold stories of the Tuskegee Airmen who went missing during World War II, focusing on the impact of their disappearances on their families. Cheryl W. Thompson, author of "Forgotten Souls, The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen" and daughter of a Tuskegee Airman, discusses the personal lives of these young men, highlighting their hopes and dreams before the war. The conversation reveals the lack of government support and acknowledgment for the families of the missing airmen, attributing it to the racial segregation of the time. Thompson shares poignant details from letters and personal accounts, emphasizing the enduring pain and lack of closure experienced by the families, who often received no communication or support from the government.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Personal Connection

Part 2: Lives, Dreams, and Letters

Part 3: Discrimination, Neglect, and Impact

Part 4: Acknowledgment, Humanity, and Closure

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