Lt. Col. George Hardy, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and the last of the group’s World War II combat pilots, died Tuesday night, according to Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
He was among the first Black military pilots in the nation.
Hardy flew 21 missions over Germany during World War II and also served in the Korean War and Vietnam War.
Nearly 1,000 Black pilots completed training and earned their commissions.
There are 13 “Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen” still alive, according to the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., an organization started in 1975 to preserve legacy of the Airmen.
Lt. Col. Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. announced Tuesday night the death of George Hardy, one of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen and the final member of the group to fly combat in World War II.
His age was 100.
Leon Butler, national president of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., stated, “His legacy is one of courage, resilience, tremendous skill, and dogged perseverance against racism, prejudice, and other evils.”. We will always remember him and be appreciative of his sacrifice. “”.
When Hardy finished the Army Air Corps pilot training program in 1942, he received his wings and a second lieutenant commission, making him the youngest Tuskegee fighter pilot at the age of 19.
He was one of the country’s first Black pilots. During WWII, Hardy participated in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and flew 21 missions over Germany.
The U. S. During World War II, segregated military personnel conducted what was known as the Tuskegee Experiment to see if Black Americans could pilot and maintain sophisticated aircraft in combat.
After training and receiving their commissions, almost 1,000 Black pilots were commissioned. Throughout the war, over 300 served abroad. Thousands of women and other support staff who participated in the alleged experiment were also granted the title of Tuskegee Airmen for their distinguished service and eventual contribution to military integration.
The Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. claims that 13 “Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen” are still alive. was founded in 1975 with the goal of preserving the Airmen’s legacy.
