The collection contains a photograph album belonging to Bobby D. Norman, a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. The album contains 53 black and white photographs, a portrait of Bobby D. Norman, and a hand-written letter addressed to Norman from his Japanese girlfriend.
No biographical information is known regarding Bobby D. Norman outside of his service as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. According to an inscription in the front of the photograph album, Norman resided at 1025 10th Street, Oakland California at some point around the time of his service.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces, serving during World War II. They were part of the Army Air Corps (precursor to the U.S. Air Force) and trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. Their service helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military and the broader civil rights movement. In 1941, the U.S. War Department, under pressure from civil rights groups and political leaders, established a segregated flight training program at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama. The program trained African American pilots, navigators, bombardiers, and support personnel. The first group of pilots, known as Class 42-C-SE, completed their training in March 1942. Among them was Benjamin O. Davis Jr., who later became a key leader in the Air Force.
The Tuskegee Airmen were assigned to several units, with the 99th Fighter Squadron being the first to see combat in North Africa in 1943. Later, the 332nd Fighter Group, which included the 99th, was deployed to Italy, where they flew P-51 Mustangs, P-47 Thunderbolts, and P-40 Warhawks in escort and ground attack missions. The group became known for their exceptional skill in escorting bombers, earning the nickname "Red Tails" due to the distinctive red paint on their aircraft. They successfully protected U.S. bombers from enemy aircraft, gaining a strong reputation for their low loss rate among escorted bombers.
The Tuskegee Airmen's achievements helped challenge racial stereotypes and proved that African Americans were capable of excelling in highly technical and demanding military roles. Their success contributed to President Harry S. Truman's decision to issue Executive Order 9981 in 1948, which led to the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush in recognition of their service.
The Bobby D. Norman Collection consists of a photographic album that measures 10.5" x 15.5" and features a hard-shell cover adorned with a gold leaf and mother-of-pearl landscape of Japan. The album contains 53 silver gelatin photographs and other related materials documenting the experiences of Bobby D. Norman, a Black Tuskegee Airman stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The collection provides a personal and visual record of Norman's service, his relationships with fellow airmen, and his romantic relationship with a Japanese woman named Yoshiko.
Throughout the album, Norman includes handwritten inscriptions that provide insight into his personal experiences. His commentary on his station locations ranges from humorous to candid, with descriptions of Japan as "Most Goofy," Okinawa as "Real Choice," Guam as "A Hellhole," and Iwo Jima as "Not Too Bad." Another note reveals his longing to return to Japan while expressing his disdain for his time in Guam, stating, "For an unmarried man, it is hell. Don't let the pretty post cards fool you. I know—I've spent the majority of my tour on this miserable hellhole."
A large, colorful painting measuring 14" x 10" accompanies the album. It depicts Norman in uniform on the right, Yoshiko at the center, and an unidentified Black man in civilian attire on the left. The painting is undated and unsigned. Also included in the collection is a handwritten letter from Yoshiko to Norman, dated December 12, 1953. Written in broken English, the letter expresses her loneliness and longing for his return, and it is signed with her name and a red lipstick kiss mark.
January 16, 2025 (processed), 0.30 cubic feet; photograph album (1942-1953), contains 53 silver gelatin photographs, a portrait painting, and a single hand-written letter. Purchased from: Max Rambob Rate Books.
Purchased from Max Rambod Rare Books
Processed by Patrick Cash, 2025
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.