Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Charles McGee,a decorated veteran of three wars, receives a congratulatory sendoff after visiting with 436 Aerial Port Squadron personnel at Dover Air Force Base to help celebrate his 100th birthday in Dover, Del., on Dec. 6, 2019. | AP Photo/David Tulis
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
01/16/2022 10:14 PM EST
Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman who flew 409 fighter combat missions over three wars, has died. He was 102.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Sunday announced his death on Twitter, both of them calling McGee an American hero.
“While I am saddened by his loss, I’m also incredibly grateful for his sacrifice, his legacy, and his character. Rest in peace, General,” wrote Austin, who did not specify where McGee died.