Lt. Col, George Hardy (99 years old) is a remarkable individual and an American hero. His story, of joining the Army Air Corps in 1943 at the age of 17, eager to join the war in defense of our country, is one shared by many young warriors of the time. But what sets Col. Hardy’s story apart is that, as a young African American man during the 1940s, his path to service and in particular to becoming a fighter pilot made him part of the historic group of young men known as the Tuskegee Airman. Col. Hardy flew 21 combat missions over Germany in 1945, escorting bombers to their targets. Following the war, he returned to Tuskegee to pay it forward and train new pilots. In 1948, he rejoined another war effort, flying B-29 bombers in 45 combat missions in the Korean War and continued to serve our country through the Vietman War, flying 70 missions at the controls of a C-119 gunship, protecting troops on the ground. Decorations: Dist. Flying Cross with Valor, Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters and commendation medal with 1 oak leaf cluster.

Although Col. Hardy did not feel well enough to join us at show time, his dear friend and colleague, Dr. Joi Spraggins, graciously volunteered to join us this evening for a discussion honoring Col. Hardy, and shedding light on this amazing man.

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