MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hudson, Butler (38th), Clarke, Frazier, Hill, Tindell, Jolly, Jackson (11th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND SALUTING PINE BELT AVIATION ARTIST CLINT MARTIN FOR NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ARTWORK DEPICTING THE WORLD WAR II AFRICAN-AMERICAN PILOTS KNOWN AS THE "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN."
WHEREAS, Pine Belt Aviation Artist Clint Martin hopes his life's work can teach others about the group of World War II African-American pilots known as the "Tuskegee Airmen"; and
WHEREAS, Clint Martin, an aviation artist and model builder, has been associated with the Tuskegee Airmen since 1972. The self-taught artist has work exhibited in 17 museums, including the Camp Shelby Military History Museum, Mississippi Museum of Art, the Pentagon, the Smithsonian, the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport and most recently in the New Capitol Building. Mr. Martin's uncle was one of the original fighter pilots and Martin's interest in the historical significance of the airmen led him to begin painting six years ago; and
WHEREAS, the artwork that is depicted on canvas is based on stories of the airmen and true historical accounts of their missions. Using acrylic and ink, Mr. Martin details the planes, bases and battleships to resemble their true form; and
WHEREAS, Clint Martin, 73, is an encyclopedia of information about the 900 African-American fighter pilots who trained and fought for the U.S. Army. This includes how many missions they flew, how many were shot down, and the origin of the term "Red Tails," which is an important screen film by George Lucas about the Tuskegee Airmen. Mr. Martin was an historical adviser on the 1995 HBO movie "The Tuskegee Airmen," and he is very supportive of this effort to shed light on an unpublicized part of United States history. The "Red Tails" movie has Mississippi relevance, because Hattiesburg produced the first African-American Naval Aviator, Jesse Brown, who first flew in 1949. The history of the Tuskegee Airmen represents not just an heroic military moment, but also a turning point in the 20th Century for African-Americans, who moved out of the South to claim job opportunities created by the war effort. This event also came at the same time that President Harry Truman desegregated the military in 1948; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Martin's artwork depicts many "firsts" and accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen. The images on his canvas convey the Airmen's bravery, patriotism and dedication to their fellowman and country during World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Martin is also careful to depict all four squadrons with accuracy and clarity; and
WHEREAS, the Tuskegee Airmen, which were part of the 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group, received high accolades, including four Presidential Unit Citations. They received the Congressional Medal of Freedom in 2007 from President George W. Bush. Only 300 of those have ever been presented to any group in the country; and
WHEREAS, the McComb native currently resides in Hattiesburg with his wife of 29 years, Madeline, and it is with great pride that we note the work of this Mississippian who has sparked an interest in African-American and Mississippi history through his historic art:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and salute Pine Belt Aviation Artist Clint Martin for his nationally acclaimed artwork depicting the World War II African-American pilots known as the "Tuskegee Airmen," and extend the thanks of a grateful state for his recent donation of his artwork to the New Capitol Building.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Clint Martin, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.