“Mud and Squalor” is the nickname of the US Army Air Corps base out of which in 1943 David James and his mentor, Carroll Langston, flew P-51 single engine, pursuit aircraft during World War II. Mr. James talks about his experiences, and how one day his friend flew out and simply did not return. Mr. James also speaks about his experiences being trained to fly in Tuskegee, Alabama, and what happened once he got to Beri, Italy, and other theaters of war in Europe in 1943. This interview is in two parts. Part I [immediately below] is about Mr. James’s experiences as one of the celebrated Red Tails. Part II [second in line below] is about his experiences growing up in the African American (“Negro”) enclave of West Woodlawn, Chicago, and life in a time of “racially restrictive covenants”. Not to be missed.
And here is Part II
Note: All the usual disclaimers apply. This is a good faith, best effort to expand empathy in the world by capturing the experiences and narrative of a significant individual for educational purposes.
(c) Lou Agosta, The Chicago Empathy Project, and (c) David James
Categories: Empathy, single seat pursuit aircraft, talk therapy, Tuskeegee Airmen, US Army Air Corps 1943
Empathy Lessons 
An inspiring narrative by one of the celebrated Tuskegee Airmen, David James, whose story needs to be better known on the mainland. On this of all days – September 11, 2013 – we are moved and touched by the dedication and commitment to the cause of freedom for all people, to which the Tuskegee Airmen devoted themselves.Once again, this narrative needs to be better known by people who aspire to freedom everywhere, but especially in Asia and by those who do not enjoy the liberties that you enjoy.