George Hardy (Tuskegee Airman)

Last updated

Lieutenant Colonel

George Hardy
Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Tuskegee Airman.jpg
Birth nameGeorge Edward Hardy [1]
Born (1925-06-08) June 8, 1925 (age 99) [2]
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
AllegianceFlag of the United States.svg United States
Service/branch United States Army Air Force
Years of service1943–1971
RankLieutenant Colonel
Unit 332nd Fighter Group
Awards
Spouse(s)2nd wife Bonnie

George Hardy (born June 8, 1925) is an American retired pilot and military officer. In World War II Hardy served with the Tuskegee Airmen and flew 21 combat missions. In the Korean War he flew 45 combat mission as the pilot of a bomber. In the Vietnam War Hardy flew 70 combat missions piloting an AC-119K gunship. [3]

Contents

Early life

Hardy's parents names were Edward Hardy and Alma Vargas. [1] He was exposed to racism and segregation growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [4] He graduated high school in 1942 and wanted to join the military because his older brother had joined the U.S. Navy in 1941. [5] When he joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 the U.S. military was segregated. [4] Hardy faced discrimination from commanders in the Army. [6] After WWII (1947) Hardy went to school at New York University School of Engineering and Science until 1948. [7] Hardy wanted to be an Engineer, he did not plan to make a career in the Air Force. [8]

Education

Military service

World War II

The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had distinctive markings that led to the name, "Red Tails." Tuskegee P-51.jpg
The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had distinctive markings that led to the name, "Red Tails."

In 1943 when Hardy was 17, he joined the Army Air Corps that same year he began training to fly at the Tuskegee Air Field late. [4] [6] He was deployed to Keesler Army Air Field in Biloxi, Mississippi for basic training. [3] He graduated in 1944 as a second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He was qualified to fly single-engine planes and sent to Walterboro Army Air Field in South Carolina to train for combat. He completed his combat training in 1945 and was then sent to Italy. [7] Hardy became one of only about 450 Tuskegee Airmen who were deployed overseas. He flew 21 combat missions over Germany in 1945. [3] The majority of his missions he escorted bombers to their targets. After the war, Hardy went back to Tuskegee to train pilots. [10]

Korean War

Hardy was recalled in 1948 and sent to Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. He was sent to Guam with the 19th Bomb Group. He then was sent to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa: he flew a B-29 and piloted 45 combat missions over Korea. [7] One senior officer, then-Lt Col Fred W. Miller, disliked Hardy because of his race and he removed him from a B-29 mission. [11] [12] That B-29 was shot down in North Korean airspace. [13]

On a later assignment, Hardy would report to Miller who experienced a complete turnaround; Miller would regard Hardy as one of his best commanders. [11]

Vietnam War

Hardy flew 70 missions piloting a C-119 gunship in the Vietnam War. [10] He flew missions at night using infrared to destroy North Vietnamese supply routes and convoys in Laos and Cambodia. [3]

Honors and awards

99th Fighter Squadron patch 99th Fighter Squadron patch.jpg
99th Fighter Squadron patch

After service

Hardy was one of 188 Tuskegee airmen who attended President Barack Obama’s first inauguration. [10] He now travels the country telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and speaking about segregation. [16]

Hardy, along with 1949 Top Gun winners James H. Harvey, III, and Harry T. Stewart, Jr., and Dr. Eugene J. Richardson, Jr. are among the last surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen and the last four survivors that graduated from Tuskegee AAF as single engine fighter pilots. Of these four, only Hardy and Stewart served as fighter pilots flying the red tail painted P-51D's on combat missions with the 332nd FG overseas based at Ramitelli AB, Italy. The actual P-51 that Hardy flew on many of his combat missions was restored to the markings of "Tall in the Saddle" in England and still flies at airshows there. [17]

See also

Related Research Articles

The Tuskegee Airmen was a group of African American military pilots and airmen who fought in World War II. They formed the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group (Medium) of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). The name also applies to the navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew chiefs, nurses, cooks, and other support personnel. The Tuskegee airmen received praise for their excellent combat record earned while protecting American bombers from enemy fighters. The group was awarded three Distinguished Unit Citations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles W. Dryden</span> American Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot (1920–2008)

Charles Walter Dryden was a U.S. Army Air Force officer and one of the original combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron,a component of the Tuskegee Airmen. Among the United States' first eight African American combat fighter pilots, Dryden is notable as a member of the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS)'s Class Number SE-42-C, the program's 2nd-ever aviation cadet program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexander Jefferson</span> United States Army officer (1921–2022)

Alexander Jefferson (POW) (WIA) was an American Air Force officer, famous as one of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 332nd Fighter Group. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Archer (pilot)</span> Tuskegee Airman fighter Ace (1919–2010)

Lee Andrew Archer, Jr. was an African American fighter Ace in the 332nd Fighter Group, commonly known as the Tuskegee Airmen, during World War II. He was one of the first African American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps, the United States Army Air Forces and later the United States Air Force, eventually earning the rank of lieutenant colonel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spann Watson</span> Tuskegee Airman and US government official (1916–2020

Spann Watson was an American military aviator and civil servant who served with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He flew over 30 missions in North Africa, Italy and Southern Europe. On March 2007, Watson attended a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, where he and other surviving veterans of the Tuskegee Airmen were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service. He died on April 15, 2010, aged 93.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles McGee (pilot)</span> US Air Force officer (1919–2022)

Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee was an American fighter pilot who was one of the first African American aviators in the United States military and one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen. McGee first began his career in World War II flying with the Tuskegee Airmen, an all African American military pilot group at a time of segregation in the armed forces. His military aviation career lasted 30 years in which McGee flew 409 combat missions in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clarence Dart</span> American Tuskegee Airman (1920–2012)

Clarence W. Dart, Sr. (WIA) was an American World War II fighter pilot and member of the Tuskegee Airmen. During World War II. Dart was shot down twice earning two purple hearts. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marion Rodgers</span> American aviator

Marion Raymond "Rodge" Rodgers USAAF was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American military pilots who fought in World War II and were the first African-American military aviators in the United States armed forces. He reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served the Air Force for 22 years, commanding the renowned 99th Flying Squadron of "Red Tails" after combat, then working in management for NORAD and NASA. In his nineties, as one of the last surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Rodgers continued to receive media attention as he shared his experiences and was honored at several public events.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Howard Baugh</span> Tuskegee Airman and US Air Force Lt. Col. (1920–2008)

Howard Lee Baugh was an American military aviator who served with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Friend (pilot)</span> Tuskegee airman and leader of Project Blue Book (1920–2019)

Robert Jones Friend was an American military officer and pilot who served with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II and led the USAF's Project Blue Book from 1958 to 1963. He also served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He had a 28-year military career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James H. Harvey</span> American Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot (born 1923)

James Henry Harvey III is a retired United States Army Air Corps/United States Air Force (USAF) officer and former African American fighter pilot who served with 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails", or among enemy German pilots, Schwartze Vogelmenschen. He is one of the 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen pilots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alva Temple</span> Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot (1917–2004)

LTC Alva Newte Temple was an officer in the U.S. Army Air Forces and combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron and 300th Squadron, best known as the all-African American Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or among enemy German pilots, “Schwartze Vogelmenschen”. He was one of the 1007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots.

Harry Thaddeus Stewart Jr. is a retired United States Army Air Forces officer, a Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, and a fighter pilot who served in the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the all-African American Tuskegee Airmen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harold Brown (Tuskegee Airman)</span> Fighter pilot and Tuskegee Airmen POW (1924–2023)

Harold H. Brown was a U.S. Army Air Force officer who served during World War II as a combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen. Brown's P-51C aircraft was shot down in the European Theatre of World War II and he became a prisoner of war.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lincoln Hudson</span> American fighter pilot (1916–1988)

Lincoln T. Hudson was a U.S. Army Air Force officer, World War II fighter pilot, Prisoner of War in Nazi Germany, and a corporate executive. During World War II, Hudson served in the all-African-American 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron, best known as the all-African American combat fighter pilot group, the Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or among enemy German pilots, “Schwartze Vogelmenschen”.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mac Ross</span> Tuskegee Airmen pilot (1912–1944)

Mac Ross was a U.S. Army Air Force officer and combat fighter pilot during World War II. A member of the Tuskegee Airmen, he commanded the 100th Fighter Squadron and served as the Group Operations Officer for the 332nd Fighter Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clarence C. Jamison</span> American Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilot (1918–2014)

Clarence Clifford “Jamie” Jamison was a U.S. Army Air Force officer and combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, best known as the all-African American Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or “Schwarze Vogelmenschen” among enemy German pilots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Price D. Rice</span> Tuskegee Airman (1916–1999)

Price D. Rice was a U.S. Army Air Corps/U.S. Air Force officer and combat fighter pilot of the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He was one of 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Herman A. Lawson</span> Tuskegee Airman Fighter Pilot (1916–1995)

Herman Albert "Ace" Lawson was a former Sacramento, California city councilman, Fresno State University football standout, highly decorated U.S. Army Air Force/U.S. Air Force officer, combat fighter pilot, and combat flight instructor with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen or "Red Tails". He was one of 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William H. Holloman</span> Tuskegee Airman (1924–2010)

William Hugo Holloman III was a U.S. Army Air Force officer, combat fighter pilot, and high-profile member of the prodigious 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or “Schwarze Vogelmenschen” among enemy German pilots.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "George Edward Hardy". Cincinnatilibrary. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  2. Miller, S (June 8, 2016). "A Birthday to Remember: Tuskegee Airman Celebrates Birthday Onboard". southwestaircommunity. Southwest Airlines Co. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Cox, Billy (April 20, 2016). "George Hardy, 90, flew 21 combat missions in the spring of 1945". Gatehouse Media LLC. Archived from the original on September 22, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Fowler Jr., Vernon L. (February 16, 2016). "MacDill hosts a Tuskegee Airman". amc. Official United States Air Force Website. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  5. DuBois, Maya (January 18, 2019). "A living legend visits FAMU". thefamuanonline. College Media Network. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  6. 1 2 Shastri, Devi (July 28, 2018). "The Tuskegee Airmen fought a world war and racism. Now, they're telling kids their story". Oshkosh Northwestern. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  7. 1 2 3 "George E. Hardy". redtail. CAF Red Tail Squadron. Archived from the original on July 23, 2019. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  8. 1 2 Erickson, Jim. "Honoring Heroes". newsmagazinenetwork. West Media Inc. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  9. Rice, Markus. "The Men and Their Airplanes: The Fighters." Tuskegee Airmen, 1 March 2000.
  10. 1 2 3 Dean, Vicki (October 18, 2018). "Sarasota resident George Hardy reflects on his service as Tuskegee Airman". Gatehouse Media LLC. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  11. 1 2 American Veterans Center. "Lt. Colonel George Hardy, Tuskegee Airmen (Full Interview)". Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTyxrHSigj0
  12. Air Force Historical Research Agency. "28 Bomb Squadron (ACC)." Published March 07, 2008. https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433634/28-bomb-squadron-acc/
  13. Avery, Brad (October 27, 2015). "Tuskegee Airmen give speech on race, history at Framingham State". Gatehouse Media LLC. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  14. 1 2 Rojas, Josh. "Tuskegee Airman George Hardy, 87, Broke Down Racial Barriers". postnewsgroup. Post News Group. Archived from the original on July 25, 2019. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  15. 1 2 "George Hardy - Tuskegee Airman - Sarasota, FL". FVHOF Society. Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
  16. Dunlap, Tiare. "Veterans from World War II's All-Black Aviation Unit on How They Shattered Racial Stereotypes: 'We Proved That Thinking Wrong'". people. Meredith Corporation. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  17. An Interview with 95-Year-Old Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Harry Stewart" History on the Net. © 2000–2021, Salem Media. June 25, 2021. https://www.historyonthenet.com/interview-94-year-old-tuskegee-airman-lt-col-harry-stewart.

Notes

  1. The red markings that distinguished the Tuskegee Airmen included red bands on the noses of P-51s as well as a red rudder; their P-51B and D Mustangs flew with similar color schemes, with red propeller spinners, yellow wing bands and all-red tail surfaces. [9]
  2. Hardy remembered the exact words that George Bush said to the Tuskegee Airmen as he awarded the Congressional Medal: “For most of the salutes you didn’t get, I salute you.” [14]