The Tuskegee Airmen along with black aircraft technicians served as military aviators in the U.S. armed forces, flying with distinction during World War II. 996 pilots and aircraft technicians along with more than 15,000 ground personnel served with the all-black units. They would be credited with some 15,500 combat missions and earn over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses for their achievements. The highly publicized successes of the Tuskegee Airmen helped pave the way for the eventual integration of the U.S. armed forces.