They had to fight to prove their worth. When they got the chance, they became one of the most decorated units of World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American Air corps unit.

Meet an original Tuskegee Airman — retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Grant S. Williams Sr. — when he tells his story at the Tuskegee Airmen at the Virginia Aviation Museum, Tues., Feb. 23, and Thurs., Feb. 25, at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Williams tells his story starting at Tuskegee Army Air Field. That’s where he went for basic training. One year later his fighter group was sent to Michigan before being shipped overseas to Italy. Williams is a decorated war veteran with two bronze stars for meritorious service and a Congressional Gold Medal.

“Tuskegee Airmen are heroes,” says Virginia Aviation Museum Director Mike Boehme. “Their legacy of determination, bravery, patriotism and commitment to education are important for us to pass on to America’s children.”

Watch a documentary on the history of the Tuskegee Airmen. See artifacts brought by the guest speaker. As you tour the Aviation Museum look for World War II and Tuskegee Airmen dioramas.

Tuskegee Airmen is included with Aviation Museum admission. Tickets are $6 for ages 13-59, $5 for ages 4-12 and 60+ and $5.50 for active military. Pre-registration is requested.

For museum information and pre-registration of nine people or less call 804-236-3622. To pre-register groups of 10 or more for Tuskegee Airmen call 804-864-1400.

For museum information click here. The Virginia Aviation Museum is at 5701 Huntsman Road on the grounds of Richmond International Airport.

– The information above was provided by Nancy Tait at the Science Museum