George Hardy, last of the Tuskegee Airmen's World War II combat pilots, dies at 100

Lt. Col. George Hardy, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and the last of the group's World War II combat pilots, died Tuesday night, according to Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

Lt. Col. George Hardy, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and the last of the group's World War II combat pilots, died Tuesday night, according to Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

He was 100 years old.

“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.”

At 19, Hardy became the youngest Tuskegee fighter pilot when he completed the Army Air Corps pilot training program in 1942, earning his wings and a commission as a second lieutenant.

He was among the first Black military pilots in the nation. Hardy flew 21 missions over Germany during World War II and also served in the Korean War and Vietnam War.