George Hardy (Tuskegee Airman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant Colonel
George Hardy
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| Birth name | George Edward Hardy |
| Born | June 8, 1925 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1943–1971 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards |
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| Spouse(s) | 2nd wife Bonnie |
George Hardy (born June 8, 1925) is an American retired pilot and military officer. He is famous for being one of the brave Tuskegee Airmen. These were African American pilots who fought in World War II. Hardy flew many combat missions in three different wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Contents
Early Life and Challenges
George Hardy grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents were Edward Hardy and Alma Vargas. During his childhood, he experienced racial segregation and unfair treatment. This was because laws at the time separated people based on their race.
After finishing high school in 1942, George wanted to join the military. His older brother had already joined the U.S. Navy. In 1943, George joined the United States Army Air Corps. Even in the military, there was segregation. He faced unfair treatment from some commanders.
After World War II, George went to New York University. He studied to become an engineer. At first, he did not plan to stay in the Air Force.
Education and Learning
George Hardy believed in the power of education. He attended several schools and earned important degrees:
- He went to Walter George Smith School and South Philadelphia High School.
- He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.
- He also earned a Master of Science degree in systems engineering. This was from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology.
- Later, Tuskegee University gave him an Honorary doctorate degree.
Military Service and Missions
George Hardy served in the military for many years. He flew planes in three major wars.
World War II Missions
In 1943, when George was 17, he joined the United States Army Air Corps. He began his flight training at Tuskegee Air Field. This is where the famous Tuskegee Airmen trained. He completed basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi.
In 1944, he became a second lieutenant. He was trained to fly single-engine planes. After more combat training, he was sent to Italy in 1945. George was one of about 450 Tuskegee Airmen sent overseas. He flew 21 combat missions over Germany. Most of his flights involved protecting bombers as they flew to their targets. After the war, he returned to Tuskegee to help train new pilots.
Korean War Flights
In 1948, George Hardy was called back to duty. He was sent to Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. Later, he went to Guam and then to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. During the Korean War, he piloted a B-29 bomber. He flew 45 combat missions over Korea.
Once, a senior officer removed him from a mission because of his race. Sadly, that B-29 plane was shot down. Later, that same officer changed his mind about George. He came to see George as one of his best commanders.
Vietnam War Operations
In the Vietnam War, George Hardy flew 70 missions. He piloted an C-119 gunship. He often flew at night, using special infrared technology. His job was to destroy enemy supply routes and convoys in Laos and Cambodia.
Awards and Recognition
George Hardy received many honors for his bravery and service:
- The Air Medal
- Commendation Medal
- The Congressional Gold Medal in 2007
- The Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor
- He was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.
- He received 11 Oak Leaf Clusters for his Air Medal.
- Tuskegee University gave him an Honorary Doctorate Degree in 2006.
Life After Service
After his long military career, George Hardy continued to inspire others. He was one of 188 Tuskegee Airmen who attended President Barack Obama’s first inauguration. Today, he travels across the country. He shares the amazing story of the Tuskegee Airmen. He also speaks about the importance of overcoming unfair treatment.
George Hardy is one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen. He flew the famous "Red Tail" P-51D planes in combat. One of the actual P-51 planes he flew was restored in England. It still flies at airshows today!
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- Military history of African Americans
