Charles E. McGee
Charles Edward McGee (December 7, 1919 − January 16, 2022) was an African-American fighter pilot. He was one of the Tuskegee Airmen[1] and a career officer in the United States Air Force for 30 years who flew a total of 409 combat missions in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.[2] McGee was born in Cleveland, Ohio.
Charles E. McGee | |
---|---|
Born | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. | December 7, 1919
Died | January 16, 2022 Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. | (aged 102)
Allegiance | United States |
Service/branch | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1942–1973 |
Rank | Brigadier general |
Unit | 332nd Fighter Group (Tuskegee Airmen) |
Commands held | 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron |
Battles/wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
Awards | Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Bronze Star Medal Air Medal (26) Congressional Gold Medal (with all other Tuskegee Airmen) |
McGee died in his sleep on January 16, 2022 in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 102.[3]
Charles E. McGee Media
Lieutenant Colonel McGee (right) served as Commander of the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in Vietnam; Lieutenant Tom Coney (left) flew as his backseater.
McGee honored at the 2020 State of the Union Address, with his great grandson Iain Lanphier to the left and Second Lady Karen Pence to the right
USAF photo of Major McGee receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross in Korea in 1951
McGee, second from left, receiving the Congressional Gold Medal with other Tuskegee Airmen in 2007
McGee being promoted to brigadier general on February 4, 2020
References
- ↑ "Misconceptions About the Tuskegee Airmen." Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved: February 16, 2018.
- ↑ Maw, Michael. "Tuskeegee Airman Presented Distinguished Eagle Scout Award: 2010 National Scout Jamboree." Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved: January 23, 2011.
- ↑ Cook, Gina (January 16, 2022). Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee Dies at 102. NBC Washington. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/tuskegee-airman-charles-mcgee-dies-at-102/2938419/. Retrieved January 16, 2022.