George Hardy, one of the first Tuskegee Airmen to get his wings, died last week at the age of 100. Hardy was the last surviving member of the famed squadron that served in the Second World War. Hardy flew 21 missions for the all-black unit during the war and stayed in the Army, serving in Korea and Vietnam. “His legacy is one of courage, resilience, tremendous skill and dogged perseverance against racism, prejudice and other evils,” said Leon Butler, national president of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. “We are forever grateful for his sacrifice and will hold dear to his memory.”
Hardy joined the military in 1943 and when he was just 19, became the youngest member of the squadron. More than 1,000 people, including all the support personnel, were attached to the squadron but only 300 went to Europe to fight. According to NBC, there are only 13 members of the squadron left alive and Hardy was the last of those who went overseas.
Something doesn’t add up. If he was born in 1925, how was he just 19 in 1942?
The 7 key is too close to the 9 key maybe?
Slip of the digit (literally). Fixed. Sorry about that.
Math is math. Typos are typos. This story is not about math and typos. It is about a Tuskegee airman who made good. Being black and consequently lacking the many advantages which have benefitted me and many of us here because we are caucasian and thus well connected,, he made good nonetheless. Thank you Russ for noticing and highlighting George Hardy’s achievement and importance to US history.
Bless you and fly on, Colonel. Thank you for fighting for freedom.
I just read more about George Hardy online–what amazing accomplishments he made! Thank you, Mr. Hardy for protecting our country.