Tuskegee Airman Harry Stewart Jr. Celebrates 100 Years of Courage and Legacy

Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., a decorated WWII pilot, celebrated his 100th birthday before passing away peacefully, remembered for his bravery and contributions.

On July 4, 2024, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., a revered Tuskegee Airman, celebrated his 100th birthday at Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit, Michigan.

Sadly, he later passed away peacefully at his home in Michigan.

Stewart was among the last remaining members of the heroic Tuskegee group and is remembered as one of the most accomplished pilots from their ranks during World War II.

He earned notable acclaim for achieving three air-to-air victories in just one combat day.

Early Life and Military Service

Born on Independence Day of 1924 in Newport News, Virginia, Stewart’s passion for aviation blossomed at an early age.

This fascination intensified when he moved to Queens, New York, where he often watched P-39 Airacobras take off from North Beach Airport.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943, going on to train in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he earned his flight wings in June 1944.

Soon after, he joined the 301st Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group, famously dubbed “The Red Tails.” During his service, Stewart completed 43 missions, receiving numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal.

Combat Achievements

One of his standout achievements occurred on April 1, 1945, when Stewart downed three enemy aircraft while escorting a B-24 formation over Linz, Germany.

In a remarkable display of skill, he shot down two German fighters with his machine guns and then secured a third victory through deft evasive maneuvers.

After the war, Stewart demonstrated his exceptional abilities in the first-ever ‘Top Gun’ competition in 1949, flying P-47s against pilots operating modern jet fighters.

He often reminisced about his wingman, 2nd Lt.

Walter Manning, who had faced a tragic fate—shot down, captured, and ultimately lynched by a mob in Austria.

Legacy and Remembrance

In a poignant moment, Stewart returned to Austria in 2017 for a memorial honoring Manning.

During the service, he reflected on their experiences together and expressed wish that Manning would receive the acknowledgment he deserved.

Source: Taskandpurpose