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AV8 ACE
AV8 Ace 99th Pursuit Squadron
AV8 Ace 99th Pursuit Squadron
Regular price
$32.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$32.00 USD
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The 99th Pursuit Squadron was the first African American fighter squadron in the United States Army Air Forces, formed as part of the groundbreaking Tuskegee Airmen program. Training at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, its pilots and ground crews overcame significant racial barriers while preparing for combat. Originally slated for air defense duties, the squadron was instead deployed to the Mediterranean Theater in 1943, arriving in North Africa to join the fight against Axis forces.
Flying the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the 99th entered combat during the North African campaign, conducting ground attack missions against enemy positions, airfields, and shipping. Their first major operation supported the assault on Pantelleria ahead of the Allied invasion of Sicily, where Lieutenant Charles B. Hall scored the squadron’s first aerial victory. Despite facing discrimination and doubts about their effectiveness, the unit proved its capability in combat, earning recognition for its performance and helping validate the role of African American pilots in frontline operations.
The 99th continued to distinguish itself in Sicily and Italy, providing close air support for Allied forces at key battles including Anzio and Monte Cassino. Under the leadership of Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the squadron overcame political and institutional challenges to build an impressive combat record. It later expanded into bomber escort missions across Europe, supporting operations over multiple countries. Awarded three Distinguished Unit Citations, the 99th Pursuit Squadron left a lasting legacy of courage, resilience, and excellence—paving the way for integration and equality in the United States military.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
Flying the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the 99th entered combat during the North African campaign, conducting ground attack missions against enemy positions, airfields, and shipping. Their first major operation supported the assault on Pantelleria ahead of the Allied invasion of Sicily, where Lieutenant Charles B. Hall scored the squadron’s first aerial victory. Despite facing discrimination and doubts about their effectiveness, the unit proved its capability in combat, earning recognition for its performance and helping validate the role of African American pilots in frontline operations.
The 99th continued to distinguish itself in Sicily and Italy, providing close air support for Allied forces at key battles including Anzio and Monte Cassino. Under the leadership of Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the squadron overcame political and institutional challenges to build an impressive combat record. It later expanded into bomber escort missions across Europe, supporting operations over multiple countries. Awarded three Distinguished Unit Citations, the 99th Pursuit Squadron left a lasting legacy of courage, resilience, and excellence—paving the way for integration and equality in the United States military.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
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