Brig. Gen. Charles McGee was one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in the US service corps.

McGee accomplished 409 air combat flights throughout three wars, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, over the course of his illustrious career, serving a total of 30 years of active duty.

Throughout his career, McGee has won various honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 and the National Business Aviation Association’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award in 2012.

In 2011, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Is Charles McGee still alive?

No, according to a family spokesman, he died in his sleep on Sunday, January 16, 2022. He was 102 years old.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin remembered McGee in a tweet, saying:

“We lost an American hero today. Brigadier General Charles McGee, one of the last living Tuskegee Airmen, died at the age of 102.

While I am grieved by his death, I am also appreciative for his sacrifice, legacy, and character. General, may you rest in peace “In a tweet, 

McGee leaves behind three children, ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.