Colonel Charles E. McGee fought in World War II, in Korea and in Vietnam. He holds the record for the highest three-war total of fighter combat missions of any pilot in the U.S. Air Force history. His military service began as one of the Tuskegee Airmen in the 332nd, famed pioneers who fought racial prejudices to fly and fight for their country in World War II. They are the ones who achieved the unequaled record of not losing a single bomber under their escort to enemy fighters.<br> COL McGee went on to serve in leadership and command positions in war and in peace flying fighter missions in Korea and Vietnam. In his remarkable military career, he earned the Legion of Merit with Cluster, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star and the Air Medal (twenty-five times). He was also chosen to lead the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. into the 21st Century by serving two separate terms as its president.<br> Stories in the media seldom portray African American men as heroes. In tribute to the many unheralded fathers, husbands, sons and brothers leading exemplary lives, COL (Chuck) McGee' inspiring story is now being told.<br> Colonel McGee is the latest to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame for having flown 409 combat missions.
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Charlene E. McGee. Tuskegee Airman, 4th Edition
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Prologue
I: Foundation
II: College Years
III: The Tuskegee Experience
IV: World War II
V: The Homecoming
VI: Desegregation
VIII: The Boys of the 44th
IX: Montgomery to Minneapolis
X: Going to Kansas City
XI: Tour in Europe
XII: Great Sky Country
XIII: Survival Training
XIV: The War in Vietnam
XV: Supersonic Speed
XVI: Tuskegee Airmen, Inc
XVII: Contributions and Tributes
XVIII: One for The Record
The Legend and Legacy
“By the authority of the Board of Trustees and upon recommendation of the faculty, Tuskegee University hereby confers upon. Charles Edward McGee. The Degree Doctor of Public Service Honoris Causa with all the rights, honors, and privileges appertaining thereto given at Tuskegee, Alabama, the twenty-third day of February Two Thousand and Six”
Tuskegee Airmen: A Tribute From Guardians of the Heritage
First Period Photos
Second Period Photos
Third Period Photos
Fourth Period Photos
TRIBUTES
Resources
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The contribution of family, friends and associates to Dad’s story is living testimony of their high regard for him. I am grateful for the role each played in bringing his biography to life. Many sent stories and provided anecdotes from times they shared with him. Some included photos and news clippings as well. However incorporated, every offering added to my insight, understanding and ability to convey events in their fullest sense.
Special acknowledgment goes to my sister, Yvonne, and son, Damon, whose critical eye and editorial comments were invaluable. She challenged me to be specific, provide perspective and hold high standards for quality, and he counseled me to stay focused and tuned to my inner voice.
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The reality was most day to day living for Negro youngsters took place separate and apart from mainstream white America. Racial strife was remote for children living among their own people in a closed society. Overhearing comments by adults, they began to conceive of the outside world, but their real frame of reference was closer to home.
That's not to say Charles and other black children were protected from ridicule in their own backyard. Children of all persuasions grasp differences and use them as weapons to gain advantage. Exploitation of differences (height, weight, clothing, accent, background and so forth) is something most people have experienced. Growing up in the black community, being very dark or very light dramatically increases the likelihood of being singled out, teased and in the worst case ostracized. Charles being light-skinned and no exception was tested at a young age.
