MFRI was recently honored to entertain a visit from Col. Charles McGee, one of the original Tuskegee airmen.
The renowned squadron, comprised of American’s first black military pilots, flew more than 1500 missions in the last half of World War II. Their stellar performance and fierce combat reliability helped pave the way for the desegregation of all of the country’s armed forces in 1948.
Col. McGee was at Purdue in conjunction with a visit by the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron and the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit that includes a restored, red-tailed P-51C Mustang flown by the airmen during the war. The exhibit, and the perseverance of the Tuskegee Airmen it celebrates, provides a strong example and powerful message to schoolchildren about overcoming challenges and realizing their dreams.
Col. McGee visited with the MFRI staff in MFRI offices, and gave a presentation about his unique experiences before, during and after his service with the Tuskegee Airmen. His rich storytelling and easy charm delighted everyone fortunate enough to attend. It was an especially exciting moment for MFRI student worker Derek Rose, scheduled to leave just a few weeks later for Air Force pilot training.
In addition to Col. McGee's service in World War II, he also served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. And, over the course of his 30-year active military career, he compiled the highest three-war fighter mission total (409) of any Air Force aviator.
In 2007, President Bush awarded the surviving Tuskegee Airmen the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, the nation's highest civilian award. In 2011, Col McGee was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio.