Clarence Dart flew 95 missions with the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American military pilots and support personnel who served during World War II.
After the War, Clarence settled in Saratoga Springs where he and his wife Millie raised nine children.
The Tuskegee Airmen trained at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama, they were part of the U.S. Army Air Corps, which later became the U.S. Air Force. Despite facing systemic racism and segregation, they excelled as aviators and ground crew, flying missions primarily in North Africa and Europe.
The most famous unit, the 332nd Fighter Group, became known as the “Red Tails” for the distinctive red paint on their aircraft tails. They earned an impressive combat record, providing bomber escort and proving their skill and courage in battle.
Their success helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military in 1948 and was a significant milestone in the broader Civil Rights Movement. Clarence Dart was awarded five Distinguished Flying Crosses, an Air Medal, a Victory Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal, and two purple hearts.
Cynthia Providence will be celebrating her father, Saratoga Springs local and heroic Tuskegee Airman, Lt. Col. Clarence Dart during a Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation virtual program, “Tuskegee Airmen: Lt. Col. Clarence Dart,” on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 7pm, ET.
She will share his achievements, personal journey, and the challenges he faced within a unit that, while highly esteemed until recently, was not fully valued at the time either. She will also reflect on the lasting impact of his legacy on future generations.
The virtual program has a suggested donation of $10 and will be hosted via Zoom. To register, visit this website. All registrants will receive a Zoom link in advance, as well as access to the program recording.
Photo of Tuskegee Airmen provided.
Another NY Tuskegee Airman story: Roscoe C Brown Jr (1922~2016) was born in DC and died in NYCity. Dr Brown was President of Bronx Community College for 17 years and used to stop regularly on his way home in Riverdale; at the Chinese laundry, the Armenian dry-cleaner and Irsh deli next to my apt. bldg on Manhattan College Phwy; In addition to his academic achievements, Dr Brown founded “Run The Bronx” – a Borough-Wide race, second only to the NYCity Marathon in length and participation. His academic life had started as an Athletic Director at a W. VA. college..His life was proof that Giants Walk Among Us.- RIP, Roscoe.