EVENTS

Howard Baugh, Member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Speaks to LMI Staff

Participating in LMI’s Distinguished Speakers Program

MCLEAN, Va., May 14, 2007—Howard Baugh, a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, gave the LMI staff a fascinating look into history, discussing the experiences and challenges of his career as a military fighter pilot during World War II.In his speech, he told of the prejudice encountered by the Tuskegee Airmen and how they won acceptance through exceptional performance. After his speech, Mr. Baugh answered questions about specific aircraft he flew and why he enjoyed being a pilot.

Born in Petersburg, Va., in 1920, Howard Baugh graduated from Virginia State College in March 1942 and entered the Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet. As one of the Tuskegee Airmen, he was among the first African Americans trained as military pilots. In July 1943, Baugh’s unit, the 99th Fighter Squadron, deployed to Sicily. He flew 135 combat missions, and he and his squadron were credited with shooting down several German planes over the Anzio beachhead. He was also credited with a personal aerial victory.

Lt. Col. Baugh has received numerous medals and awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit award. In June 2004, the French government presented him with its highest and most prestigious military award, the Legion of Honor. In November 2006, he was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame, and in 2007, he was among the surviving Tuskegee Airmen presented the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress.

LMI is a not-for-profit government consulting firm established in 1961 at the behest of Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. Best known for its logistics expertise, LMI’s work now includes acquisition, facilities management, financial management, information technology, and organizations and human capital. Numbered among its clients are Department of Defense organizations and civil agencies, such as the General Services Administration and Departments of Homeland Security and Energy. The LMI Research Institute sponsors the Distinguished Speakers Program, which brings senior government officials and other notable individuals to LMI to share their thoughts on critical issues facing the country.