Combat In The Sky: 136 Combat Missions Across Three Wars | Tuskegee Airmen | George Hardy
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- Опубліковано 6 тра 2024
- Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy was born in South Philadelphia on June 8, 1925. He was the second of seven children and grew up during a time of racial segregation. Hardy wanted to join the military and follow in his older brother footsteps, but didn't want to join the Navy which was racially segregated at the time.
In early March of 1943, Hardy joined the United States Army at 17 years old. He had one goal, which was to go to Tuskegee and become a pilot.
Hardy would graduate from Tuskegee and go on to serve as a P-51 pilot flying 21 combat missions over Germany during World War II. He later flew 45 combat missions during the Korean War, and 70 combat missions in Vietnam. In his career Hardy would fly a total of 136 combat missions.
Interview recorded on November 3, 2023
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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Luke Ryan
Director of Photography - Umit Gulsen
Editor - Megan Maggi
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This hero is sharper than a lot of 60-year-olds. What a history he has and I'm thankful it's being recorded. We aren't too far from this greatest generation being relegated to history. The world is a better place because of these folks.
he is way smarter than the 25, 30 year-olds we see on the news every night.
This man is a national treasure, what a life. I hope we still produce men like him. Thank you sir!
Sadly, we don't look what is coming out of our colleges, today.
Jesus, still this sharp at 98 🙌🏾
SHARPER THAN JOE BRIBEM!!
I met him last year at EAA. Me and him talked for an hour before he gave a speech there. I have a picture with him. One of the happiest days of my life.
These are special men. I had a similar experience with Iwo Jima marine corps veteran Don Graves when I was a youngun, he spoke at an Air Force base nearby about capturing Iwo and it was a spectacular experience for me as a young kid.
This man's mind is amazing for any age, but almost 99? Damn!
Lt Col Hardy:
Thank you for your years and years of service. It makes me proud to hear your story.
Courage, honor and integrity has no color. God bless you and thank you for your outstanding service!
Those characteristics do have a color ... it is the color of blood!!!!
The integrity and character of this man is why segregation disappeared. He proved that the highest level the equality of his race.
That was an absolute pleasure to listen to. God bless you sir and God bless America. From 🇬🇧
My grandpa flew B-24's out of southern Italy. The Tuskeegee Airman were often his escort. So grateful for these amazing men who risked their lives to keep him safe and defeat evil.
Awesome story of an awesome man. A true patriot.
Truly the Greatest Generation
Absolutely 100% the finest Americans ever to live.
I think it’s so awesome God has kept His grace upon this man. He’s still alive at 98 years old ! He will be 99 next month !
That mission where he was replaced was no fluke, that was divine intervention.
19 years old 😮 So much respect
Impressive he was 19 flying a P51
And free gasoline to boot.
Many were the same age.
That is being totally fearless! Thank you sir for your service!!
Wow, 98 and still sharp as a tack. Flying missisons before he could buy a drink. What a man and what a generation.
From WW2 Mustangs to Korean B-29's to Vietnam AC119 Flying boxcar gunships. What a career flying in the Air Force. What a wonderful veteran story and what a successful career. Thank God for men like this.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting several Tuskegee Airman. Impressive men all.
Wow im 50 and just realized how much of my life ive wasted being complacent. Im going to do something with the rest of my life i hope this man would approve of.
This guy fought in WW2, Korea and Vietnam.. absolute legend.
My dad turned 20 the fall of ‘44. He had just arrived in Europe to join in the Battle of the Bulge. He flew 44 missions as a B26 pilot as the pilot in command for most of those missions. He was there until the end of the war. He was an amazing pilot and flew until 2003.
What an amazing man. Thank you for sharing your story!
Age is just a number . Up to the individual how he takes care of himself through out later life.
Thats a real hero talking. Thanks for your service!
Just one more reason why they are rightfully known as the greatest generation. 19 years old, incredible!
Thank you for your service to our Country Mr. Hardy, SIR!!
This guys memory is astounding ! What an American Hero 🇺🇸 !!! Thank you sir !!!
Have mentioned this before but worth retelling: men this fine gentleman flew cover for my father, a B-24 pilot in the 15th in Italy. Dad said they were excellent pilots. Aside from their courage, patriotism and talent, he believed some of their advanced skills were due to their extended flying hours as cadets. The powers that be were initially reluctant to send them overseas and into combat. Hence, they drew more flight hours while the gov't hesitated. The Tuskegee vets that I've spoken with over the years agreed. After the my father rotated back to the States, was in the Deep South on a (segregated) commercial bus. He stretched out in back. The driver told him he'd be more comfortable up front. Dad said he'd just flown across the Atlantic, he was fine. He struck up a conversation with a young Black man in uniform - a Tuskegee pilot who happened to have flown cover for Dad's group and squadrons. He was also heading to base. They had a great talk. When they arrived Dad tried to have a drink with him at the officer's club but was rebuffed. When Dad protested, he was thrown out.
Wow what a great story, he should write a book and that should become a movie. I'm sure there are many others with similar experiences, but this individual is absolutely phenomenal. As a pilot and a reliability engineer myself I could ascertain that he went to one of the finest undergraduate and graduate schools in America. I was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base also.
This was the most remarkable story I've heard on this channel so far. Unbelievable record of service.
They should make a movie about this guys life.
It would be better than pretty much everything being put out now by Hollywood.
Agreed
Amazing career and a true American. Much respect for his accomplishments and career.
What an amazing AMERICAN MAN !
USAF 66-70
A real hero 🎉❤
I'm sure you would say I was only doing my job but believe me we still look up to you I a big way 😊
Thank you
What a story! The guy is an inspiration to all.
I got to hear him speak in the War Bird area at Airventure 2023. Amazing stories.
Whoa I didnt know he was black at first that is amazing what he overcame in his day
Thank you for your service. You are truly an American hero
Thank you Sir.
This is an awesome amazing man.
Thank you Sir
Thank you sir so very much for defending our country!!!
I've been part of the 332nd twice now. They reactivated the squadron. Red tails spit fire
He must look at some of the 19 year olds today and just shake his head in disbelief.
Especially the ones crying about being a victim all day everyday.
He won’t ever see one. No job living in moms basement doing drugs.
I don't think he lives in his mom's basement she's probably not alive he's 98! @@daleolson3506
Thank you for your Service, my RESPECT
What a remarkable history/career. I'm sure glad he was on our side. Thank you for all that you've done for US.
That is one hellavu story and life. Never heard of anyone who flew combat in all three wars.
Thank you Sir
God Bless you Sir for your service, courage and sacrifice 🇺🇸✌🏻🫶🏻❤️🇺🇸
Wow - what a truly impressive man.
So thankful for the service sacrifice diligence and love of country. Thank you sir for the freedom we are enjoying.
Wow! What an incredibly impressive man! I wish this interview had been two hours long. I could have listened to him forever. Just absolutely incredible. What he accomplished in his life and the career he had. He should’ve been a five star general.
Amazing man. Very sharp. Gotta respect him. Kudos to him.
What a Great American Hero! I am So proud and Greatful for his service! God BLESS HIM AND HIS FELLOW AIRMEN!
He still look so young of his ages, so thankful for his service
A remarkable story. Thank you for your service.
THANK Y0U SIR!!! AMAZING STORY AND HISTORY ... I AM PROUD TO JUST LISTEN TO YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AGAINST ALL ODDS!!!!
Amazing memories.❤️🔥🇺🇸
What an incredible man..... What a service history and then civilian life. What achievements he made over his lifetime. Utter respect.
What a man. Unbelievable. I am humbled.
Incredible interview. Sincere thanks for your service.
Wow, what a great story, loved it
19 years old piloting a P51 in combat, not to mention being black. Awesome gentleman. Class act.
Half black.
Some black for sure, but not white enough. Dwight Eisenhower had a similar background, but he was white enough. Both are men of integrity, clearly.
@@Paratus7this is a ignorant comment , you must not understand that if you’re 1% black then you’re considered black in every aspect of social status
VERY INTERESTING. Thank you for this video.
Sounds like a lovely bloke. Tuskegee is a place I would love to visit someday.
Man. I thought this was recorded 20 years ago. It was last year. He looks great at 98
What an amazing story, this gentleman accomplished so much while he served his country so well.
Lt.C Hardy as a Veteran, I Thank You for your Service Sir...
Your tonicity and dedication are very admerible, to do what you did and where you did it can be best described as a destiny experience, it was meant to be, and you took the blessings and made the best of them.
Checkout his young pilot pictures. He looks like such a young boy...handsome guy. It's amazing how much courage and responsibility these young men had. I had the pleasure of meeting one of these airmen years ago...funny story. Thank you all for your sacrifices and your service to our country.
Just...freaking...amazing...Three wars. Unbelievable.
This man is certainly no braggart. Honest mater of fact speaker without embellishments. True patriot and honorable man. Thanks for sharing your story!
What a wonderful story. Thank you Sir.
LTC Hardy, I salute you Sir. An American fighter pilot.
Sir, my deepest respect and thanks to you for what you did in order to serve our country. You sir, and people like you, are what indeed makes America great.
What a wonderful man. So humble and so accomplished and who went through so much. I'm Canadian and he reminds so much of my father and other of his vet friends who fought through the war and came out the other end, scarred and wounded but some how found a way to carry on with successful lives in their own right.
An amazing man, what a legend thank you for your service.
What an interview and what a man! Amazing to listen to his story, I could listen for hours. Thank you, sir!
What a great man and a great American - Godspeed to you sir!
Really enjoyed listening to his story. Thank God men like him are on our side.
What a great man.
Thank you so very much for your service to our nation.
💕❤💕❤💕❤💕
Incredible man
AVC...please keep up all the Hard Work and Great Video Content.
we love all the stories from these heroes.
George...thank you for your service, bravery and for keeping your chin-up
in the face of segregation. wonderful stories...very best regards...walt+mrs.
A great soldier and scholar!!
Such courage and wisdom!
Thank you for your service and your story sir. You are an amazing person and by the way you do not look 98 yrs old👍👍
He looks more like 75!
Thank you for serving our great country!
TOTAL RESPECT !!
👍👍
What a fascinating story. This is one of my favorite talks. George seems so young still. Thanks.
Thank you brother 🙏 💙 ❤️ god bless be safe
Sir, utmost respect! Could listen to you for hours....such a pitty i live on the other side of the big pool otherwise i could come over for a cup of coffee...Bless you, Sir !
God bless Mr. Hardy and his family...
What an interesting interview and a class act! Thank you for your service Col. Hardy.
Thank you for your service!
He never gave up his will to be a pilot. Thats incredible.
What an amazing career and man! Thank you for sharing your story, Lt Col Hardy.
Wonderful . Thanks
Well done sir. Well done 👏
Woww living legend ! Respect
Thank you, George.
Wow..just wow...this guy is a literal 1 in a million