Kanishka Sharma

(Reuters) – On Sunday, Retired Brigadier General Charles McGee died at the age of 102. He was part of the all-Black Tuskegee Airmen, which were pioneers in World War Two.

McGee flew 409 combat mission across World War Two, Korea, and Vietnam. A family spokesperson confirmed that McGee died Sunday in his sleep. His youngest daughter, Yvonne McGee stated that McGee had her right hand above his heart and smiled calmly in a release by the spokesperson.

Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense said that the United States lost an American hero today (NYSE:). While I feel sad for him, I also appreciate his sacrifices, his legacy, and his character. All my thoughts and prayers are with you.

McGee was born December 7, 1919, in Cleveland. McGee’s plane was twice hit in combat during the Korean conflict, and then again near Laos years later, each time on his right-wing.

McGee faced racism and segregation in his military service career. He was called to service in 1942 at age 23 and became one of the first Black military aviators known as the Tuskegee Airmen https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tuskegee/tuskegee-airman-reflects-on-all-black-units-founding-75-years-ago-idUSKCN0WJ2YE.

McGee stated to Reuters that “being raised, they say African American or Black but we’re American, and our country war,” in 2016.

He said, “We were as interested as anyone else in supporting that effort and so we turned back the fact that it was segregation and took advantage to show that we can fly planes.”

It was the success of the Tuskegee airmen that helped set the stage for the civil right movement. Harry Truman, then President, made the decision to segregate the military in 1948.

George Bush was the then-President and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee airmen, which is the highest civilian award that Congress has given.

He flew as a Tuskegee Airman during World War Two and then became an Air Force pilot in the North Korea-Vietnam wars. About 50 years ago, he retired.

NASA said that they were saddened to hear about the death of Brigadier General Charles McGee. He was a Tuskegee Airman who flew 409 combat mission and served as a pioneer in aviation.

McGee, who served in the military, worked as an executive business manager and as an airport manager for Kansas City, Missouri. McGee also served as the president of Tuskegee Airmen.

McGee’s three children, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren are his survivors.