The Tuskegee Airmen are familiar to most in the heartland thanks to very active members. But the heroes from World War II are just now finding their place in the history books.

The African American military pilots will be honored in Omaha on Thursday for their achievements.

Charles Lane is one of the men in the spotlight. He never thought he'd live to receive America's highest non-military honor --- the Congressional Gold Medal.

At 18, Lane became a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first all-black fighter squadron.

He says, "I thought I was bulletproof. I was convinced I knew how to do everything right. But then the world comes at you in a real fast shot."

When American bomber losses were heavy, the Tuskeegee Airmen were ordered to escort B-17s deep into enemy territory. Not a single bomber was lost but some friends were.

"Fourteen shipped," Lane says. "Lost six of us."

Another battle was against racism.

Charles says, "We were first class in the air, second on the base and third when we left base confines and got into the city."

Black fliers also had to prove they were capable in combat.

He says, "At one time, the Army Air Corps determined blacks not capable of fighting in any form of combat."

The airmen's success changed the minds of white bomber pilots.

Lane says, "They had a club that we were not allowed to go in because of our race. All of the sudden that changed."

Black pilots were suddenly seen as comrades but took congress 60 years to recognize them.

Lane and three other former airmen from the area will be honored again on Thursday. Members of congress will host a special ceremony at the Doubletree Hotel.