Review (PDF) Tuskegee Airman: The Biography Of Charles E. McGee, Air Force Fighter Combat Record Holder
Colonel Charles E. McGee fought in World War II, in Korea and in Vietnam. He holds the record for the highest three-war total of fighter combat missions of any pilot in the U.S. Air Force history. His military service began as one of the Tuskegee Airmen in the 332nd, famed pioneers who fought racial prejudices to fly and fight for their country in World War II. They are the ones who achieved the unequaled record of not losing a single bomber under their escort to enemy fighters. COL McGee went on to serve in leadership and command positions in war and in peace flying fighter missions in Korea and Vietnam. In his remarkable military career, he earned the Legion of Merit with Cluster, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star and the Air Medal (twenty-five times). He was also chosen to lead the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. into the 21st Century by serving two separate terms as its president. Stories in the media seldom portray African American men as heroes. In tribute to the many unheralded fathers, husbands, sons and brothers leading exemplary lives, COL (Chuck) McGeeâ inspiring story is now being told
Hardcover: 204 pages
Publisher: Branden Pub Co; 2nd edition (June 1999)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0828320462
ISBN-13: 978-0828320467
Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 6.5 x 9.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #407,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #20 in Books > History > Military > Korean War > Aviation #109 in Books > History > Military > Life & Institutions #996 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National > African-American & Black
This is a wonderful story that chronicles the life of Col. Charles McGee who holds the record for the highest three-war total of fighter combat missions in US Air Force history. It is told through the eyes of his daughter who captures both the military experience as well as the human side of this story. We learn of the perseverance of this Tuskegee Airman who was able to overcome racist experiences and become an American hero. Part of the delight of this book is the personal rememberances by family and friends. Col. McGee flew combat missions and navigated racist attitudes and biases throughout his life. This account is about more than a distinguished military career,it is about family and the significant influence he had on his eldest daughter. We learn about his bravery but more importantly lessons about the value of family, character, and education shape a powerful message for all of us.
History records major events that often changed or will change human events. History is packed with stories about famous people and places that every child knows about, from Washington to Lincoln to Kennedy. But what about those people in history that make a difference and never get noticed?Written by his daughter, what we find in this book is more than history its living history. Smith captures the reader with insight only a person this close to the subject can bring to life. Just the lessons about the Tuskegee Airmen is reason enough to read this book.Talk a walk through the 200-page life history of one of the greatest men in aviation history. Honored by a number of people, Charles McGee is a true national hero for all ages and all people. The sad part of the whole story is how the history books missed the group of men who changed aviation history.In a day when it is a sad reality that most American history books fail to portray any African American as a hero in the history books, it is great to know that people like Charlene McGee Smith can help us to remember that history is colorblind. Excellent reading for everyone!
My wife and I had the honor of knowing Lt Col Charles E. McGee and his wife Frances, while we were going through ground and flying training in the RF-4C aircraft prior to our combat tour in Vietnam in 1967-68. As a young 1st Lt, I was most impressed with Lt Col McGee's flying skills and his duties as the 16th Tac Recon Squadron Commander in Vietnam. I flew as his back seat WSO during combat missions and more than once we experienced enemy ground fire at our aircraft, but by luck and skill we never received any battle damage to our aircraft or to ourselves. The book, written by his daughter, beautifully expresses Col McGee's life growing up in a segregated civilian and military environment. I was very impressed during our time together with his down-to-earth manner, both as an aviator and squadron commander in dealing with all kinds of situations. He was, by far, the best commander I had during my 26 year career in the USAF. Following his year in Vietnam, I was very happy that his outstanding record was recognized by his promotion to full Colonel, USAF.Lynn C. Jorgensen, LT Col USAF (Ret)
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Charles McGhee during an event to celebrate Black History Month. He presented his experience to an audience of both adults and many high school students, captivating both young and old with his presence, and strength of character. The clarity and strength in which he spoke made him the hero of everyone, and his warm and inviting personality pulled even the teenagers toward him like a grandfather. He was a hero, and a true role model to all of them.There are very few times in life that you meet an individual who is even greater than his story. Col Charles E McGhee is such a man. A true American hero!
A biography of a remarkable airman / individual, whose achievements are on the record. I had the priviledge of meeting Col McGee and his daughter ,Charleen, at the 60th Anniversary of the USAF Airshow in Ohio which was also a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen.
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