Tuskegee Edward Creston Gleed Getting Ready For Flight, 1945, Italy

This photo from March 1945 transports us to the moment when history converged with destiny, as Edward Creston Gleed, a distinguished U.S. Army Air Force officer and a member of Class 42-K, stands beside an unidentified crewman, engrossed in the meticulous task of adjusting a seventy-five-gallon drop tank on the wing of a P-51D Mustang known as "Creamer's Dream."

The scene unfolds at Ramitelli, Italy, amidst the backdrop of wartime urgency. Gleed, wearing his Tuskegee Airmen attire, embodies the spirit of bravery that defined this trailblazing group of aviators. 

Gleed left an indelible mark as part of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen. Born on November 5, 1916, Gleed's legacy spans his service with the esteemed Buffalo Soldiers/9th Cavalry Regiment and his role as the operations officer of the 332nd Fighter Group. He soared as a combat fighter pilot with the 99th Fighter Squadron, showcasing his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication.

Gleed's notable achievements include his participation in the ninth-ever aviation cadet program of the Tuskegee Airmen, a groundbreaking initiative that paved the way for future generations. His name is proudly listed among the 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots, a testament to his exceptional talents and his significant contribution to history.