Honor a powerful chapter of American history with the G.I. Joe Classic Collection Tuskegee Bomber Pilot Action Figure from Hasbro. Released in 1996, this 12-inch collectible pays tribute to the brave Tuskegee Airmen who trained and persevered against overwhelming odds during World War II. Rooted in the real-life story of the 477th Bombardment Group, this figure represents courage, determination, and the pursuit of equality—values that define both the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and the spirit of G.I. Joe.
Expertly crafted with period-accurate detailing, the Tuskegee Bomber Pilot features an authentic flight uniform inspired by WWII bomber crews, complete with realistic textures and carefully designed accessories. The fully articulated body allows for natural, expressive posing, making the figure ideal for historically inspired displays or respectful reenactments. High-quality materials and classic G.I. Joe construction ensure durability while preserving collector-grade presentation.
As part of the G.I. Joe Classic Collection, this figure blends educational storytelling with premium collectibility. Whether displayed as a standalone tribute or alongside other military-themed G.I. Joe figures, the Tuskegee Bomber Pilot serves as a meaningful reminder of the airmen whose perseverance helped change military history and led to the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Tuskegee Bomber Pilot figure (12-inch scale)
Crusher cap (pilot’s cap)
HS-18 Headphones (aviator headset)
Sunglasses
Shirt with wings insignia
Tie
Pants
A-2 Flight Jacket
Three-Quarter High G.I. Shoes
Personnel Belt
First Aid Pouch
Pistol
Holster
4 Insulated Bottles
A-1 Food Container
Dog Tags
In 1943, with the Tuskegee fighter pilot program underway, the Air Corps began to develop plans for a bomber group that would be comprised of Negro pilots. Still uncertain about the success of the Tuskegee Experiment, the Air Corps started to screen Negro candidates for twin-engine training. Cadets received initial training in multi-engine Beechcraft AT-10s.
It soon became apparent that the addition of bombardier and navigator training programs, as well as the air traffic problems caused by additional aircraft, would tax the limited resources at Tuskegee. The Army Air Corps decided to schedule bomber pilot training in existing flight schools located in different parts of the country. These other fields had previously been used for white trainees only.
One such flight school was the Air Corps School located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Upon their arrival in Nebraska, the Tuskegee Cadets were met with derision. Many white officers and enlisted men were quite vocal in their resistance to Negro bomber pilots. However, the Tuskegee Airmen were used to dealing with discrimination and were determined to prove themselves. Even though they were training with white pilots, their quarters were segregated and many of the off-hours amenities were off limits. They were obviously being subjected to a different standard than their white counterparts. Still, the Tuskegee Cadets graduated with the highest record ever achieved at the school. They moved on to advanced training in Buffalo, New York.
In October of 1943, the decision was made to form the 477th Bombardment Group. Once formed, the new bomber group would join the 99th Fighter Squadron in North Africa. Tuskegee Cadets were given transitional training in B-25s in preparation for the formation of the new bomber group. Though the Air Corps was in great need of pilots, it was unwilling to expand the Tuskegee facility. It was also not ready to completely remove the barriers of segregation that prohibited Negro pilots from existing white-only training centers. This delayed the training of many qualified blacks and resulted in the 477th being activated just as hostilities were coming to a close, too late to see active service.
Still, the 477th scored some lasting victories. The character, determination, and perseverance displayed by the Tuskegee bomber pilots caused the Air Corps to re-examine and correct some of its long-held policies of segregation. More of these valiant Americans were promoted to positions of responsibility and authority. On June 1, 1949, President Harry S. Truman and the Congress of the United States integrated the nation’s armed forces throughout the world.