A trailblazer among the Tuskegee Airmen and one of the last remaining combat veterans from that era, George Hardy, passed away last week at the age of 100. NPR’s Scott Simon engaged with Leon Butler Jr. from the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. to discuss the profound legacy Hardy leaves behind.
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
The nation mourns the loss of a hero. Before joining the Tuskegee Airmen in 1944, George Hardy had never driven a car. Yet, within months, he became a fighter pilot, flying missions across Europe as part of the celebrated all-Black squadron established during World War II, a time when the U.S. military was still segregated.
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GEORGE HARDY: So many fellas paid a price for that, so you lost a lot of good friends. But they were part of the effort to prove that we could fly – fly as well as anyone else.
In a 2019 interview with the American Veteran Center, Hardy reflected on his experiences. His career spanned missions in Korea and Vietnam, retiring as an Air Force lieutenant colonel. His passing marks the end of an era for the Tuskegee Airmen.
Joining us is Leon Butler Jr., national president of Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated. Our condolences to you, Mr. Butler, as a friend of George Hardy.
LEON BUTLER JR: Thank you very much, and I’m happy to be here with you.
SIMON: What distinguished him as a pilot?
BUTLER: Colonel Hardy was extraordinarily talented. He combined toughness, perseverance, resilience, and exceptional skill with a thirst for knowledge. These traits made him not only an outstanding pilot but also a remarkable individual.
SIMON: He was just 19 when he became a pilot.
BUTLER: It’s hard to imagine a 19-year-old flying combat missions over Europe as a front-line fighter pilot for the U.S. military. It’s truly remarkable.
SIMON: Colonel Hardy flew 21 missions during World War II, 45 in the Korean War, and 70 in Vietnam. Any close encounters?
BUTLER: Indeed. He often recounted a mission in a P-51 over Germany. Assigned to a strafing run—where you fly low and attack a target with machine guns—his aircraft was hit. As he looked down, he could see through holes in the plane, a near-death experience that underscored the seriousness of his duty.
SIMON: How did he and the Tuskegee Airmen cope with fighting for a country that practiced segregation upon their return?
BUTLER: It was dehumanizing and disappointing. Despite facing discrimination, especially during their training in Tuskegee, Alabama, they excelled in combat, fighting against both fascism overseas and racism at home.
SIMON: Did George Hardy ever address why he flew for a country that didn’t grant him full citizenship?
BUTLER: He never addressed it directly but often emphasized, “this is my country, too.” He embodied the spirit of a true patriot, aiming to improve the nation for future generations.
SIMON: Thank you, Leon Butler Jr., for sharing your insights.
BUTLER: Thank you for having me.
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