Lt. Col Harry T. Stewart,(Credit: Photo by Monica Morgan Photography)
Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., a decorated World War II pilot who shattered racial barriers as a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, has died at the age of 100.
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum confirmed that Stewart passed away peacefully at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, on Sunday. He was one of the last surviving combat pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group, the legendary unit known as the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots.
On the Fourth of July, Lt. Col. Stewart celebrated his 100th birthday with his family, friends, and loved ones. The event was organized by the Detroit Chapter of The Tuskegee Airmen and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum. It was a joyful gathering that honored his incredible life and the contributions he made to his country.
A month prior, the city of Detroit dedicated a Plaza and Staue to Stewart. The statue was created by self-taught sculptor Austen Brantley, who combines African and Greek influences in his work. After an open call, a community panel of architects, artists, and historians chose him.
Granddaughter of Lt. Col Jefferson, Earnestine Lavergne, with statue of her grandfather (Courtesy of the City of Detroit)
“I was thrilled to create a statue honoring a hero. Crafted with precision and passion, the bronze statue captures the courage, determination, and resilience of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen,” Brantley said.
Stewart’s service in World War II was marked by extraordinary skill and bravery. On April 1, 1945, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross after downing three German aircraft in a single dogfight. His prowess in the skies helped dismantle misconceptions about Black aviators and contributed to the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military.
Beyond his wartime heroics, Stewart was also part of a pioneering team of four Tuskegee Airmen who won the U.S. Air Force Top Gun flying competition in 1949. However, the achievement was not officially recognized until decades later, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acknowledgment that many Black service members faced.
Stewart’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures. His contributions not only helped turn the tide in World War II but also paved the way for greater opportunities for future generations of Black military aviators.
As the nation mourns the loss of a trailblazer, Stewart’s remarkable life stands as a testament to courage, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of justice.
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