Two Veterans Will Chat With Visitors To The RISE ABOVE Exhibit

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, will host Tuskegee Airmen pilots Col. Charles McGee and Lt. Col. George Hardy at their RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at AirVenture this week.

The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is a free panoramic movie theater that inspires and educates all ages with the remarkable history of the Tuskegee Airmen. This immersive experience is housed in an air-conditioned 53’ semi trailer with expandable sides and equipped with a ramp and hydraulic lift to ensure access to all. Because of its dynamic 160-degree panoramic screen, the film creates the feeling of being in the cockpit soaring above the clouds in a P-51C Mustang, the iconic signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen. Find the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at KidVenture, an area dedicated to “future pilots” at EAA AirVenture.

Meet Col. McGee (pictured) and Lt. Col. Hardy, learn about the legendary Tuskegee Airmen from World War II, and hear from these remarkable heroes what is was like to serve with the first African American military pilots in the U.S. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed.

All are invited to meet these living legends in person at the following dates and times:

• Monday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, July 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Friday, July 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Saturday, July 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Col. Charles McGee

While an engineering student at the University of Illinois, Charles McGee was sworn in to the enlisted reserved in October 1942 and earned his wings as a Tuskegee Airman in June 1943. He flew 136 combat missions during World War II, and achieved an aerial victory for downing a German Fw-190. He then became an instructor pilot for the North American B-25 Mitchell bomber for the 477th Bombardment Group – Tuskegee Airmen bomber pilots, navigators and bombardiers that were being prepared for war, but did not deploy due to the armistice with Japan.

McGee remained on active duty 30 years. He became a command pilot with over 6,100 total hours. He flew fighter aircraft combat tours in three major military conflicts, completing 409 missions for the Army Air Forces and the Air Force. He is the only known fighter pilot who has flown 100 or more combat missions in each of the following wars: World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Lt. Col. George Hardy

George Hardy graduated as a Tuskegee Airman pilot in September 1944 and flew 21 combat missions during World War II. After the War, he was recalled to service and flew 45 missions in the B-29 during the Korean War. In his career with the Air Force, he served in Strategic Air Command, Special Operations and other critical areas. He also earned a graduate degree in engineering. Lt. Col. Hardy then flew 70 combat missions in Vietnam, before retiring in 1971. For his service, his commendations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

(Images provided by CAF Red Tail Squadron)

FMI: redtail.org