George Hardy

Lt. Col. George Edward Hardy, a decorated combat pilot with the famed Tuskegee Airmen who later served in Korea and Vietnam and spent decades educating Americans about the Airmen's legacy, died at his home in Sarasota, Florida, on September 25, 2025. He was 100.

Born in Philadelphia on June 8, 1925, Hardy entered the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1943, training at Tuskegee Army Air Field during the era of a segregated military.

Deployed overseas to fight in World War II at just 19, he flew 21 combat missions. He was a member of the 99th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group-the celebrated "Red Tails"-often escorting heavy bombers over Europe in P-51 Mustangs.

Recalled to service after the war, Hardy flew B-29s in the Korean War, completing 45 combat missions. He later flew 70 combat missions during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Air Force in 1971 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

His decorations include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Legion of Merit, and the Air Medal with multiple oak leaf clusters; the Tuskegee Airmen collectively received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.

After military service, Hardy worked in project management at GTE and became a nationally known speaker, volunteering in his community and sharing the Tuskegee story with students and civic groups. In his later years, he made his home in Sarasota.

Hardy's life and career were rooted in perseverance and excellence amid discrimination. His example, celebrated by veterans' groups and historical organizations, continues to inspire new generations to pursue aviation, STEM fields, and public service.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield)