Washington, Jan 17: US war pilot Charles McGee, who battled racism and segregation in the military, has died at the age of 102.
According to an official statement, the American pilot died in his sleep on Sunday. “He had his right hand over his heart and was smiling serenely,” it said.
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said, “Today, we lost an American hero. Charles McGee, Brigadier General and one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airman, passed at the age of 102. While I am saddened by his loss, I’m also incredibly grateful for his sacrifice, his legacy, and his character. Rest in peace, General.”
He was a legendary member of the Tuskegee Airmen, an all-Black flying force.
McGee, a retired brigadier general, was called to service in 1942 at the age of 23, BBC reported.
He had also served in the World War 2, Vietnam and Korean war.
