Charlene E. McGee Smith

Colonel Charles E. McGee fought in World War II in Korea and in Vietnam. He holds the record for the highest three-war total of fighter combat missions of any pilot in the U.S. Air Force history. His military service began as one of the Tuskegee Airmen in the 332nd famed pioneers who fought racial prejudices to fly and fight for their country in World War II. They are the ones who achieved the unequaled record of not losing a single bomber under their escort to enemy fighters. COL McGee went on to serve in leadership and command positions in war and in peace flying fighter missions in Korea and Vietnam. In his remarkable military career he earned the Legion of Merit with Cluster three Distinguished Flying Crosses the Bronze Star and the Air Medal (twenty-five times). He was also chosen to lead the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. into the 21st Century by serving two separate terms as its president. Stories in the media seldom portray African American men as heroes. In tribute to the many unheralded fathers husbands sons and brothers leading exemplary lives COL (Chuck) McGee' inspiring story is now being told. Colonel McGee is the latest to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame for having flown 409 combat missions.