Every piece of clothing we make carries the weight of a legendary victory that history tried to forget and the promise of a future yet to be written.
In May 1949, the U.S. Air Force held its first-ever official USAF Gunnery Meet—a grueling competition to find the best fighter pilots in the nation. The pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group—the legendary Tuskegee Airmen—emerged as champions. They were victorious despite flying their older Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighters against competitors using the more advanced P-51 Mustang and F-82 Twin Mustang aircraft. It was a stunning, undeniable demonstration of their skill and excellence.
Yet, because the winning team was all-Black, their achievement was covered up. The official Air Force record for the 1949 champion was simply listed as: "UNKNOWN."
A Stolen Future
This suppression was more than an insult to the men who flew; it was a stolen opportunity for generations of aspiring young African American men and women. The loss of this high-profile victory meant the loss of heroes, role models, and the powerful, inspiring proof of excellence that could have encouraged thousands more to pursue aviation and leadership. The courage and skill of the entire 332nd Fighter Group, whose legacy of excellence was forged in the skies of WWII long before 1949, was intentionally muffled.
The four pilots who achieved this historic, unrecognized victory, flying the venerable P-47, were:
- Captain Alva Temple (Team Captain)
- First Lieutenant James H. Harvey III
- First Lieutenant Harry T. Stewart Jr.
- First Lieutenant Halbert Alexander (Alternate Pilot)
Our Promise and Commitment
UNKNOWN FORTY-NINE is not just a name; it is a commitment to acknowledge the past and empower the future. It is a tribute to the four pioneering aviators whose deserved title was stolen and branded as "unknown" for 46 years, until the record was finally corrected in 1995. It celebrates every single Tuskegee Airman—those who flew, those who maintained, and those who trained—whose legacy forms the bedrock of courage and dedication.
The Passion Behind Our Patch
Our emblem features a trophy which represents the missing the one which was lost but found after 55, a red and yellow propeller (a nod to the iconic Red Tails), with the reclaimed word "UNKNOWN" boldly displayed on a deep blue background. This symbolizes that truth, skill, and justice will ultimately prevail.
To honor their struggle and help reclaim the potential that history tried to suppress, 10% of net profit from every piece of clothing will be donated to organizations that support the training and development of future African American and other minority pilots and leaders.
Wearing UNKNOWN FORTY-NINE is a statement: that excellence will not be forgotten, and that the promise of the future is worth fighting for. Wear our gear, fund the future and carry their legacy. Be UNKNOWN. Be VICTORIOUS. Be UNKNOWN FORTY-NINE.
