George Hardy, Tuskegee Airman Who Served in Three Wars, Dies at 100
Lt. Col. George Hardy, one of the last surviving members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, has passed away at the age of 100. His distinguished military career saw him serve in three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During World War II, Hardy became the youngest Red Tail fighter pilot to fly a combat sortie over Europe at age 19, according to the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. National Office. His remarkable service included 21 missions over Germany and occupied Europe in P-51 Mustang aircraft while stationed at Ramitelli Air Field in Italy.
Following his World War II service, Hardy continued his military career in the Korean War, where he flew 45 missions, and later in the Vietnam War, where he completed 70 missions. Hardy was born in Philadelphia in 1925 and was the second of seven children. He was doing homework at home on Dec. 7, 1941, when he was interrupted by news of the Pearl Harbor attack. Hardy joined the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1944, trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. By early 1945, he had deployed to Italy with the African American 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, as noted by the National WWII Museum.
After his military service, Hardy earned degrees at the Air Force Institute of Technology and played a pioneering role in developing the Department of Defense’s first global military telephone system. He eventually retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1971. Post-retirement, Hardy became an advocate for preserving the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, speaking to students and delivering inspiring messages about the importance of perseverance and courage. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and in 2024, Hardy received the National WWII Museum’s American Spirit Award.
In his acceptance speech for the American Spirit Award, Hardy reflected on the enduring impact of the Tuskegeee Airmen’s service, emphasizing their role in proving that Black American pilots could perform at the highest level. ‘When I think about the fellas who flew before me and with me at Tuskegee, and the fact that we did prove that we could do anything that anyone else could do, and it’s paid off today … it’s hard to believe that I’m here receiving this award — with them,’ he said, expressing deep gratitude for the legacy they left behind.
Hardy’s life and career are a testament to the resilience and determination of the Tuskegee Airmen, whose historic contributions to military aviation continue to inspire generations. His passing marks the end of an era, with only 13 documented original Tuskegee Airmen remaining alive today. The legacy of these brave individuals, who broke racial barriers and demonstrated exceptional skill in the skies, will endure in both history and the hearts of those who remember their bravery.