As a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, McGee went on to fly a total of 409 fighter combat missions, earning several commendations. [White House Photo]
Tuskegee Airman General Charles McGee, a decorated Army pilot who flew over 400 fighter combat missions between World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, died Sunday at the age of 102.
Take a look back at some moments from McGee’s historic life.
At Ramitelli airfield in Italy, Col. McGee stands in front of the P-51C he named “Kitten” for his wife. At his side is Nathaniel Wilson the Mustang’s crew chief. [U.S. Department of Defense]General Charles McGee spends some time with FLYING editor-in-chief Julie Boatman during his 100th birthday celebration. [Photo: Stephen Yeates]McGee high-fives Airmen during his visit to Dover Air Force Base on December 6, 2019 [U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail]President Donald J. Trump participates in the promotion pinning ceremony for State of the Union Gallery guest and Tuskegee Airman, retired Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, February. 4, 2020, in the Oval Office of the White House. [Official White House photo by Shealah Craighead]
This document officially named McGee as a rated pilot. [Courtesy: US Government Archives]
McGee receives the Distinguished Flying Cross in Korea in 1951. [Courtesy: U.S. Department of Defense]
Col. McGee gives a thumbs up after piloting a Cirrus Vision Jet with demo pilot Boni Caldeira, of Cirrus Aircraft to celebrate his 100th birthday. [Photo: Stephen Yeates]Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, documented Tuskegee Airman, holds up a bottle of cola to honor the tradition of shooting down an enemy aircraft during his tour of the 99th Flying Training Squadron Dec. 6, 2021, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. In celebration of the U.S. Air Force’s 75th anniversary, McGee was treated to a heritage tour of the 99th FTS and participated in a training mission in a T-1A aircraft simulator. [U.S. Air Force photo by Sean M. Worrell]
