. >> sam watson and george bombing and charles dryden were some of the first arriving in tuskegee. it was an eye-opening experience. they arrived in a tiny station in alabama. >> they had a colored side and white side. some who were from the south. what you do you stay away from the white folks, stay out of trouble. >> the surprise attack on pearl harbor happened while they were training. first class got its wings that included 1936 west point graduate captain benjamin davis that would go on to command the 99th. >> with the exception of issuing the official order. he was virtually shunned. >> for him to survive this and to serve the country was a remarkable example of patriotism. >> what was he like? he was tough. >> tough tough and fair. it continue be said the first commander of tuskegee. >> he was not really happy to be there. he wasn't in favor of the program. >> wanting to avoid trouble he was transferred to another post. in february of 43 he was replaced. >> one of the first actions was to remove all the colored only and white only signs around the base. >> colonel parish. >>