Jim Shipley grew up in a segregated community in the Midwest but, during World War II, was inspired to join an all-Black air unit being formed. He traveled to Tuskegee, Alabama, and other stateside locations, learning to work on aircraft that were flown in combat overseas. He and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the "Red Tails", revealed their commitment to the country in its greatest hour of need and demonstrated that everyone, despite their background or color, could work together as one to help win the war.