Brigadier General Charles McGee, a decorated military pilot and Tuskegee Airman, died January 16, 2022. He was 102.

On Sunday morning, McGee died in his sleep, “He had his right hand over his heart and was smiling serenely,” his youngest daughter, Yvonne McGee, said in a statement.

Brig Gen McGee was a long-time supporter of the CAF Rise Above and CAF Red Tail Squadron. He attended numerous events with us and loved interacting with the young people.This was an email he sent after attending an event in 2016 with us, it epitomizes the impact he had on the youth. He was such a kind and humble hero!


In a room crowded with receptionists, a young lad was standing aside appearing downcast. I approached and we had a chat about school and the Rise Above dog tag value lessons. A bit later a lady, in tears, came to me profusely expressing thanks for the boost the chat had given her son. He had shared with her that he was ready to Aim High, Believe in Himself and Never Quit.

All the best,
Brigadier General Charles McGee
Original Tuskegee Airman 302nd Fighter Squadron
332nd Fighter Group


McGee is survived by his three children, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild. His wife Frances preceded him in death in 1994.

Click here to read his profile story.

Share:

More Posts

George Franklin Henry

George Franklin Henry 1920 – November 1, 2015 During World War II, George Franklin served as a staff sergeant in charge of 20 technicians who maintained and repaired aircraft flown by the first African-American soldiers

Read More »

Rosa Mae Willis Alford

Rosa Mae Willis Alford February 1, 1912 – January 20, 2011 Female Mechanic for Tuskegee Airmen Became Educator It’s not known exactly how many women were among the estimated 15,000-16,000 support personnel who worked with

Read More »

Patricia Marie Jones Perry

Patricia Marie Jones Perry October 9, 1921 – February 5, 1995 Class: 43-W-8 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Assigned Bases: Gardner Army Air Base (Taft, Calif.) Planes flown: PT-19, BT-13, AT-6, PT-17 Patricia Marie Jones Perry

Read More »

Joseph D. Whiten, Sr.

Joseph Daniel Whiten, Sr. May 2, 1919 – November 17, 1979 Class: 43-K-TE Graduation date: 12/5/1943 Rank at time of graduation: 2nd Lt. Unit: 477th Composite Group Service # 0817604 From: New York NY Joseph

Read More »

Send Us A Message