William R. Thompson's Digital Photographic Collection. In 1941, the 99th Pursuit Squadron was activated at Chanute Field in Rantoul, Illinois, becoming the first all-black fighter squadron in the United States Army Air Corps. William R. Thompson, trained at Chanute Field as an armaments officer, and then became one of the squadron's first black officers. Thompson and the 99th Pursuit Squadron moved to Tuskegee, Alabama, and then North Africa. The 99th Pursuit Sqaudron was the first of four squadrons to see combat in World War II as the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Thompson was an avid photographer while overseas. These photographs, many taken by Thompson himself, represent the accomplishments and everyday life of the Tuskegee Airmen during the War. The original photographs and copyright are held by the Chanute Air Museum, Rantoul, IL. Lincoln Trail Libraries System holds the copyright for the digital images. All rights reserved.