• Harry Stewart Jr., a retired Lt. Col. and one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, has passed away at 100.
• Stewart earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery during World War II and played a crucial role in breaking racial barriers.
• He was instrumental in the recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen's legacy and authored a memoir detailing his experiences.

Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., a decorated pilot and one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, has died at the age of 100. Stewart passed away peacefully at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, as confirmed by the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum, emphasizing his notable impact as a member of the first Black military pilots in the United States. Stewart’s legacy is defined by his exceptional skills during World War II, where he served with the 332nd Fighter Group, renowned for escorting U.S. bombers and achieving remarkable success against enemy forces, including downing three German aircraft in a single dogfight in 1945.

Born on July 4, 1924, Stewart was captivated by aviation from a young age, often watching planes from his crib and fantasizing about flying. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Stewart enlisted to train as a pilot, joining a program that aimed to recruit Black individuals for military aviation roles amidst significant racial tension in the Jim Crow-era U.S. "I did not recognize at the time the gravity of what we are facing," he reflected in an interview, indicating his sense of duty outweighed the social upheaval surrounding him.

Stewart's impressive achievements during the war earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and placed him in the elite ranks of military aviation history. After the war, he faced racial discrimination in pursuing a career as a commercial pilot, ultimately earning a degree in mechanical engineering from New York University before settling in Detroit, where he retired as a vice president of a natural gas pipeline company.

Throughout his life, Stewart remained an advocate for the Tuskegee Airmen and the necessary recognition of their contributions to American history. His memoir, “Soaring to Glory: A Tuskegee Airman’s Firsthand Account of World War II,” was published in 2019, further amplifying his voice and the stories of fellow airmen. As a testament to their legacy, in 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their valor and service.

Stewart's recent centennial birthday celebrations highlighted his contributions to racial progress and inspiration for future generations. His passing has drawn tributes from leaders and organizations honoring his remarkable life and commitment to service, signifying how his legacy impacts countless individuals today.

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