100-Year-Old Tuskegee Airman May Receive Honorary Promotion

BETHESDA, MD — A 100-year-old retired Tuskegee Airman Air Force colonel may soon receive an honorary promotion to brigadier general.

Charles E. McGee, of Bethesda, completed a record 409 combat missions while serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, Sen. Chris Van Hollen said in a statement. During his 30-year career in the United States Air Force, McGee also held numerous leadership roles and became the first African American to command a stateside Air Force Wing Base.

To honor his service, the Democratic senator from Maryland introduced legislation in July that would authorize McGee's honorary promotion to general.

"This Marylander's service to our nation is truly remarkable and he deserves distinguished recognition," Van Hollen said.

His provision authorizing the promotion is now a part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The House and Senate must vote on the defense budget before sending it to President Donald Trump's desk.

Earlier this year, McGee's youngest daughter, Yvonne McGee, said her father was finally getting the attention he deserved.

"Our hearts are overflowing with joy that Dad's long overdue promotion is finally coming to fruition," Yvonne said. "For a man whose entire life has been in service to God and country, attaining this, from representatives of the same institution that 78 years ago wanted to limit his participation in the American dream, is the perfect way for a grateful nation to say 'thank you.'"

McGee was one of roughly 1,000 black pilots to serve in World War II — which was unprecedented at the time. Prior to World War II, the military believed that African Americans did not have the capacity to fly planes. African American servicemen only began receiving flight training in 1941.

As a member of the Tuskegee Airmen — a historic group of African American military pilots who helped defeat the German Luftwaffe — McGee is also partially responsible for breaking down racial barriers in the United States.

McGee, who later fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars, has received a number of awards, including: the Army Commendation Medal; Presidential Unit Citation; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; and Hellenic Republic World War II Commemorative Medal.

McGee turned 100 on Dec. 7.

How did he celebrate such a milestone? Hopping into the cockpit of a private jet.

According to multiple media outlets, McGee recently flew a private jet between Frederick, Maryland, and Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.