David Thomas: “I would like to acknowledge today one of my State's--Wyoming's--unsung heroes, Senator Henry Schwartz, who served our…”

“I would like to acknowledge today one of my State's--Wyoming's--unsung heroes, Senator Henry Schwartz, who served our great State from 1936 to 1942. Senator Schwartz did much for Wyoming. But today I would like to focus on his efforts during the 76th session of Congress when he had amended the National Defense Act to establish a school specifically for the training of black pilots. While military opportunities for minorities increased after the Civil War--like the establishment of the famed Buffalo Soldiers who fought and died for our country on the western frontier--there were very few, if any, opportunities available in the Air Force, at that time, the Air Corps. To challenge that trend, in 1939 representatives of the African- American community asked Congress to consider allowing blacks to be military pilots. The matter had been given little consideration until Senator Schwartz submitted an amendment to the National Defense Act which established a training school specifically for African Americans. The amendment passed with a vote of 77 to 8, and history was made. With the help of the Senator from Wyoming, legends like Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., America's first black Air Force general and commander of the 99th Pursuit Squadron--also known as The Tuskegee Airmen--was given a chance to serve this country. Past and future aviators, from astronauts to fighter pilots, will continue to rise in the defense of America because of Henry Schwartz's work.”