Page 55 - Appendix A

Bill Norwood (1960 SUPT Student) (Please also see Bill Norwood Interview)

What would you say was the percentage of blacks was in your training class?
In primary at Moore Air Base, Texas one other Black in my class and he washed out. The

percentage was about four percent. In basic at Craig AFB in Selma Alabama, I was the only one,
which was about 10%.

Describe how the number of minorities in your pilot training environment compared to your
high school, college and home environment (growing up).
In my hometown in southern Illinois, the percent of minorities was about 10%.
High school was about 9% and at Southern Illinois University about 7%.

Would you say that having gone to a majority white high school and college helped you as
you went into a majority white pilot training environment? Why or why not?
Got together as AF Americans

You went from Illinois to Selma AL in 1960? Describe how the culture of the time impacted
the training environment?
Happened to know one guy in TX

If there was a significant difference describe what impact it had (if any) on your success in
training and why?
The difference by being alone, more scrutiny on my performance made me work harder to

prove that I was better than most other trainees.

In your opinion, does make a difference, in terms of your success, how many other black
pilots are going through training at the same time as you? Why or why not?
I think the more Blacks would be a positive difference. The main reason is interacting with
someone from your race made studying together better, and social activities would lead to
more pleasant and relaxed times when away from formal training.

In your opinion, does it make a difference what the racial demographic of your training cadre
or leadership team is? Why or why not? Any specific examples from your experience?
It makes a big difference. One’s cultural similarities means a trainee does not have to be so
guarded and/or careful communicating, since the similar background makes a person more
relaxed.