Charles McGee (pilot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles McGee
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McGee in 2014
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| Born | December 7, 1919 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | January 16, 2022 (aged 102) Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1973 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brigadier general (promoted 2020) |
| 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) |
Charles Edward McGee (December 7, 1919 – January 16, 2022) was an amazing American fighter pilot. He was one of the very first African American pilots in the U.S. military. He was also one of the last living members of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.
McGee started his flying career during World War II. He flew with the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of all African American military pilots. This was at a time when the armed forces were still segregated. His military career lasted 30 years. During this time, he flew an incredible 409 combat missions. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
For his brave service, McGee received many honors. These included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal. In 2007, he and all other Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal. This is a very high civilian award. In 2011, he joined the National Aviation Hall of Fame. In February 2020, he was promoted to brigadier general.
Contents
Early Life and Family Adventures
Charles McGee was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 7, 1919. His parents were Lewis Allen and Ruth Elizabeth McGee. His grandfather had once been enslaved. His father was an Army chaplain in both World War I and World War II.
Charles's father was also a teacher, social worker, and minister. He later became an activist during the civil rights movement. Because of his father's work, Charles's family moved often. He had an older brother, Lewis, and a younger sister, Ruth. Sadly, his mother died when his sister was very young.
A Young Leader: Boy Scouts
As a child, McGee was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He achieved the highest rank, Eagle Scout, in 1940. He continued to be involved with the Boy Scouts for many years. In 2010, he received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
McGee met Frances Nelson in April 1942. They got married on October 17, 1942. They had three children: Charlene, Ronald, and Yvonne. Just two days after their wedding, Charles joined the military as an aviation cadet.
A Pilot's Journey: Military Career
Flying in World War II
In March 1942, McGee was studying engineering at the University of Illinois. He joined the United States Army in October 1942. He became part of the Tuskegee Airmen. He earned his pilot's wings in June 1943.
By February 1944, McGee was in Italy. He was with the 302nd Fighter Squadron. He flew his first mission on Valentine's Day. McGee flew different fighter planes like the P-39Q Airacobra and the P-51 Mustang. He would protect bombers flying over Germany and other areas. Sometimes, he would attack enemy airfields and train tracks.
On August 23, 1944, McGee shot down an enemy Focke-Wulf Fw 190 plane. He flew 137 combat missions during the war. He returned to the U.S. in December 1944. He became an instructor for other Tuskegee Airmen.
McGee later said that their success helped President Harry Truman end segregation in the armed forces. This happened in 1948.
After the War: Korea and Vietnam
After World War II, McGee continued to serve in the United States Air Force. He kept flying fighter jets. When the Korean War began, he flew 100 missions. He was promoted to major.
During the Vietnam War, McGee flew 172 combat missions. He was a lieutenant colonel at this time. He commanded the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. They flew RF-4 Phantom II jets for photo missions.
McGee retired from the Air Force on January 31, 1973. He was a colonel. In his 30-year career, he flew 409 combat missions. This is one of the highest totals for any Air Force fighter pilot. He flew for over 6,300 hours.
Life After Flying: A Legacy of Service
After retiring from the military, McGee continued to work in aviation. In 1978, at age 58, he finally earned his college degree. This had been a goal for a long time.
McGee became the director of the Kansas City airport. He also joined the Aviation Advisory Commission. For over 30 years, he was a leader for Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. This group helps people of color find opportunities in aviation. He gave many speeches and received many awards.
In 2007, McGee appeared on the TV show Dogfights. He also helped as a consultant for the 2012 movie Red Tails. This film was about the Tuskegee Airmen.
Later Years and Final Honors
In 2018, for his 99th birthday, McGee got to fly a HondaJet. He even took the controls! In December 2019, for his 100th birthday, he flew again in two different jets. He was welcomed by many airmen at Dover Air Force Base. They were excited to meet the Tuskegee Airman who helped break down barriers.
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On February 2, 2020, McGee helped with the coin flip at Super Bowl LIV. He was with three other World War II veterans who were also over 100 years old. Two days later, President Donald Trump honored him. He was promoted to brigadier general at the 2020 State of the Union Address.
In 2020, McGee also appeared in a video for NASA. He encouraged young people to become astronauts.
Charles McGee passed away peacefully on January 16, 2022, at 102 years old. He was one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen. Many important people, like Vice President Kamala Harris, shared their sadness at his passing. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in June 2022.
Awards and Recognition
McGee received many military awards for his bravery and service. These included:
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star Medal
- Air Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Presidential Unit Citation
On March 29, 2007, McGee and all other Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal. This was given to them by President George W. Bush and the U.S. Congress. It is the nation's highest civilian award.
In 2011, McGee was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
On February 4, 2020, McGee was promoted from colonel to brigadier general. This promotion was approved by special legislation. President Donald Trump personally pinned the stars onto his uniform.
Images for kids
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USAF photo of Major McGee receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross in Korea in 1951
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McGee, second from left, receiving the Congressional Gold Medal with other Tuskegee Airmen in 2007
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McGee being promoted to brigadier general on February 4, 2020
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Personal Life
McGee married Frances Nelson in 1942. They were married for over 50 years until Frances passed away in 1994. Charles and Frances had three children, ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.
McGee even named his P-51 Mustang airplane Kitten after his wife, Frances. She worked as a medical secretary while Charles was training. McGee was a Christian and was very active in his church.
See also
- Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library
- Fly (2009 play)
- Freeman Field Mutiny
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (1995 film)
