One of the last surviving members of the all-Black World War II Army Air Corps unit known as the Tuskegee Airmen, retired Brigadier General Charles McGee passed away Sunday at his home in Bethesda, Maryland at the age of 102, Reuters reports.
McGee stayed in the Air Force after World War II, flying a total of 409 combat missions in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 after a 31-year military career. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross three times and the Bronze Star.
“Today, we lost an America hero,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Twitter. “While I am saddened by his loss, I’m also incredibly grateful for his sacrifice, his legacy and his character. Rest in Peace, General.”