'Tuskegee Top Gun' James Harvey, the First African American Jet Combat Pilot

[@gregoryaparker]

This man is an American hero and his treatment by his own nation during his military service and personal life is just despicable. Despite all of the roadblocks thrown into his path he overcame them all to be the best of the best. Hate can bury history, but it will never be forgotten by those that lived through it...

[@cyrusdubash3097]

Despicable, yes, but that's the m.o.

[@rugerred8659]

What do you expect America wasn’t founded with the thought of having black people as equals

[@robertwilliams6852]

As an Air Force Veteran, I am so very proud of this man! Always aim high and be positive. The world needs a lot more people like LCol. James Harvey.

[@chrisnnh]

Any youngster wanting to be a ‘real badass’ here is your role model.

[@gary9346]

Yes everyone walks around with jets in their pocket. 🤣

[@petermaiers61]

yep

[@ronlal652]

Amen.

[@desertrat7634]

That should be made law. All kids must choose someone who lived through one of the greatest watershed events of our country as their role model.

[@desertrat7634]

@Mando Mann Only if they've been taught that. It's not something we are born with.

[@chaplainand1]

My hat is off to this man. I was born in 1948 when he was first flying. During my time in the USAF, I worked on a couple of the jet AC models he spoke of. The only reason he did not make General is that he did not graduate from the USAF Academy. Colonel is the top rank otherwise. That is a shame, for so many people. What a proud heritage he has provided to his Country, his family and to his God. May the Creator of all things continue to bless and watch over him and his family. He, I can tell you, was one hell of a pilot. Anyone who took lessons from him was well trained. Thank you sir for your service, in spite of how you were treated. You rose above the petty beliefs of the times. America, wake up, repent, and bless God.

[@desertrat7634]

Another Tuskegee Airman you should look up if interested is, Daniel "Chappie" James, jr. He is another amazing person. Technically, though, all of these airmen are inspiring. God bless each one of them!

[@desertrat7634]

I just realized something you said that I don't think can be true. The gentleman I mentioned in the previous post, General Daniel "Chappie" James, didn't go to the academy. He attended Tuskegee University, until he was expelled. He was able to continue training in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, graduating from that in 1942. He got his commission in 1943 at Tuskegee Army Air Field. He did end up getting his bachelor's of Science in Physical Education, but not until Tuskegee University awarded it to him in 1969 based on college credits he'd earned in the military. Even so, he was the first black 4-star general in the entire US millitary. The website below has his entire education history, and the academy is never mentioned. This the website from the Department of Defense outlining his life and achievements. www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/2930686/air-forces-daniel-chappie-james-jr-was-1st-black-4-star-general/

[@chaplainand1]

@@desertrat7634 thank you. The USAF may have changed policy once it separated from the Army in 1947. In any event, he was a heroic figure.

[@desertrat7634]

@@chaplainand1 I'm with 100% ! To be honest, the only reason I knew that was because my father had talks about why he wouldn't ever made admiral. He said he chose to make that sacrifice for the opportunity to fly helicopters. He pointed out how the Navy has very little use for admiral helicopter pilots. That was his reasoning, not the fact he didn't go to the academy. But it's one of those statements that just sounds authoritative when you hear. And it's also true that the military was that way at some point.

[@starloszelson4541]

PETTY? Petty to whom? Sad part is F-35 Black USAF Fighter Pilot just got out of USAF because he said the racism from the other pilots was too much. His grandfather was a Tuskegee Airman. 60 min did a story on him

[@alewis8765]

This man is a true gentleman, a gem and the definition of perseverance.

[@stevefranklin9920]

What happened to these men was outright ridiculous !! I’m glad these folks are getting their stories out for us to hear and share !

[@dorton63]

Brother's can't catch a break, but yet we simply know how to break out...A true patriot and example of a human being...

[@danam0228]

This guy is so awesome. Is good that he and his buddies were eventually recognized, but sad it took so long.

[@nedstewart1]

Two other organizations, the 3525th Aircraft Gunnery Squadron and the 27th Fighter Escort Group, won the 1950 gunnery meet, the first for the jet aircraft category, and the second for the conventional (propeller-driven) aircraft category. The trophy for the 1949 and 1950 gunnery meets included an engraved plate that named the four organizations that won the two meets in the two categories. The story that the trophy was deliberately hidden by racists to cover up the achievement of the black pilots does not ring true. For one thing, the 332nd Fighter Group was only one of four organizations listed on the trophy, and three of them were white. Hiding the trophy would not only obscure black heroes, but white ones as well. Another factor to consider is that when the trophy was awarded for the last time, no institution called the Air Force Museum existed yet. In 1956, the Air Force Technical Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was renamed the Air Force Museum, which was open to the public, but the trophy was not yet a part of the museum’s collection, but belonged to the Smithsonian Institution, which could not display all of the thousands of artifacts in its inventory. In 1971, the Air Force Museum moved to its current site, but was still only a fraction of what it is today. Not until 1975 was the museum constituted as an official USAF organization rather than simply a named activity. The museum grew tremendously in size in the decades after 1975, and eventually had more room to exhibit artifacts. In 1979, the National Air and Space Museum, a component of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, transferred some artifacts from the Secretary of the Air Force to the Air Force Museum. Among them was the trophy from the USAF gunnery meets in Las Vegas in 1949 and 1950.88 Years later, largely through the efforts of Zellie Orr, the trophy for the Air Force’s gunnery meets in Las Vegas in 1949 and 1950 was put on display as part of an exhibit to commemorate the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen, since the 332nd Fighter Group was its most famous organization, although the 332nd Fighter Group was one of four USAF organizations to win the trophy. The gunnery meets at Las Vegas were discontinued not because a black group had won, but because the Korean War broke out in 1950, and the Air Force needed to deploy its best fighter groups to the Far East to take part in the conflict, which did not end until 1953..

[@steveg4334]

Seems a sense of humour was required. Not allowed that today. Deepest respect for these guys.

[@starloszelson4541]

Are you saying that what these men experienced was false?​@@fenderstrat7547

[@camelthegamer7165]

It took so long so more can cheer them.

[@mariogastelum1463]

this is why america has never been great.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

You can tell from the way he talks he has nerves of steel. I don't think ANYTHING ever rattled him.

[@mememo3764]

You would be surprised. I'm sure he has learned to cope with many things.

[@michaellovetere8033]

I get the same impression...You can tell by his demeanor that he is no nonsense..

[@RodNubianKing]

This man just turned 100 years old! Thanks for your service and commitment!

[@robertshanks3674]

typical fighter pilot...focused and nerves of steel

[@elaineburnett5230]

Exactly

[@1492tomato]

Makes me want to weep to think that when these good men came back home they were denied access to places, goods, and services because of their race. Lt. Col. Harvey is an American hero deserving of the respect and gratitude of all of us.

[@nedstewart1]

THIS STORY WAS A LIE. READ THE ABOVE.

[@jeffrobdine]

@@nedstewart1 Read what above?

[@nedstewart1]

@@jeffrobdine Sorry meant read below for the truth. Misconceptions can also be found on TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC..the main chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. No trophy was hidden. Story is a complete fabrication.

[@nedstewart1]

@@jeffrobdine GOOGLE: MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN...next . go to page 59 not 52 THE MISCONCEPTION OF THE HIDDEN TROPHY.

[@nedstewart1]

@@dixztube GOOGLE: MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN and go to page 59. In reality, the Air Force’s 1949 gunnery meet in Las Vegas was not called “Top Gun,” and the 332nd Fighter Group was not the only fighter group to win. The 332nd won the conventional (propeller-driven) aircraft category, while the 4th Fighter Group won the jet aircraft category. In 1950, the Air Force held another gunnery meet in Las Vegas, but by then, the all-black 332nd Fighter Group had been inactivated. Two other organizations, the 3525th Aircraft Gunnery Squadron and the 27th Fighter Escort Group, won the 1950 gunnery meet, the first for the jet aircraft category, and the second for the conventional (propeller-driven) aircraft category. The trophy for the 1949 and 1950 gunnery meets included an engraved plate that named the four organizations that won the two meets in the two categories. The story that the trophy was deliberately hidden by racists to cover up the achievement of the black pilots does not ring true. For one thing, the 332nd Fighter Group was only one of four organizations listed on the trophy, and three of them were white. Hiding the trophy would not only obscure black heroes, but white ones as well. Another factor to consider is that when the trophy was awarded for the last time, no institution called the Air Force Museum existed yet. read on to page 60.

[@trayvonjackson4830]

This is a good man right here. I have nothing but respect for you sir, much love from Berlin 🇩🇪.

[@markhonerbaum6988]

You have the umlau ,ya Berliner.

[@badcornflakes6374]

This man kind of liberated your peeps

[@liamweaver2944]

@@badcornflakes6374 Really? Fuckin' really?

[@TheEdan9023]

He said it was obvious to him why they wouldn't enlist him during the height of the war. Smh. This man went through so much for a country who barely recognized his existence. Thank you for your service sir. Salute...

[@robertweeks3430]

He is the embodiment of a TRUE AMERICAN HERO!!!

[@APG2112]

I love his can do attitude. If anyone feels sorry for this man, you shouldn’t because he doesn’t feel sorry for himself and you can tell he never wasted any time doing so. He put his life on the line like every other veteran. A beautiful human being and a Red Blooded American, he makes me proud to be an American. May God bless this man,his family and our country.

[@robertellerbee1124]

😮When I see the way these brave men conducted themselves and the discusting way they were treated I ashamed to be an American. How could GI's treat the enemy with more respect than our own soldiers?

[@DavidSmith-zr3nd]

Glad to know someone like this had my dad's back. He crossed the 38th parallel 5 times on the ground.

[@jeffrobdine]

Harvey attended high school in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, An excellent student, Harvey served as President of his senior class, anchorman on the tumbling team, captain of the basketball team, and class valedictorian.

[@highpointdad2006]

Made my heart sink that he was turned down by the airlines., a stellar, highly accomplished pilot., and a Lt Col at that !

[@wildbadrehna5780]

My dad had 38 years service , and retired at position of aircraft maintenance foreman ( he was crew chief in 1965 ) at Truax field in Madison , where Lt.Col Harvey retired..in May 1965 they were flying F89J's..... Thank you for you service Lt. Col Harvey !

[@tomcolicinojr.2641]

Thank you, Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III, for your service. The country salutes you!

[@briangregory6303]

As an Air Force veteran, I'm so ashamed of the way these men and their accomplishments have been treated. Bout damn time, U.S.Air Force.

[@cyrusdubash3097]

Sad how this happens. Thank you both for your service and commitment to our sovereign nation.

[@sandranatali1260]

We have finally learned of the legend, we were denied, for so many years. You and your fellow airmen, Sir, are my heroes. God bless you.

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III thank you for your service!

[@mathbrown9099]

What a wonderful man, a plain and sure hero. Thank you, Mr. Harvey. The country owes such a debt to you and others in your unit and in the US Armed Forces. What you and others had to deal with was an injustice. I’m glad you were such an example to all war fighters in the war. Thank you.

[@starloszelson4541]

Country wouldn’t even allow him to drink from a water fountain, use the bathroom, and sit on the front of a bus

[@jonworthing7467]

What a great man. All of us could learn a lot from him. Wish I could meet up with this man. I could listen to him all day, what a life he’s had.

[@lucyrodriguez3435]

I hope he authors a book.

[@padroooo]

It's people like Lt. Col. Harvey that makes America great. You either get it or you don't. Semper Fi.

[@mchristr]

As a former E-4 Air Force jet mechanic, I salute you sir.

[@elaineburnett5230]

I love Lt. COL. HARVEY III POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND DIRECT DEALINGS....he has a fantastic smile and a admirable story.

[@schiaa7340]

What a great man and American. God blessed him.

[@brandonthomas303]

SALUTE!! Thank you sir for your service!! Serious badass!! Won the first Top Gun! Awesome

[@nedstewart1]

He won the propeller class in 1949 and the 4th. won the jet class. Funny it was not mentioned their was a jet class also. THE TROPHY WAS NEVER HIDDEN. THEIR WAS 4 WINNERS WRITTEN ON IT. THE 332nd. for (PROPELLAR) and the 4 th. FIGHTER GROUP FOR THE (JET) CLASS. CONVENIENT THEY NEVER MENTIONED THEIR WERE 2 CATAGORIES OF WINNERS JET & PROPELLAR. AND PROOF THE TROPHY WAS NEVER HIDDEN. This is another lie that has finally caught up to them. Almost the lie about they lost no bombers. Now we find out that the trophy was never hidden. But even with the truth now known their will still be liberal outrage. GOOGLE: MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN go to page 52. ...IT CAN ALSO BE NOUND ON TUSKEGEE AIRMEN INC...THE MAIN CHAPTER OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN. THE STORY ABOUT THE HIDDEN TROPHY IS A LIE. TOP GUN WAS NOT GIVEN OUT TILL 1968'. COMPETITION MENTIONED ABOVE TOOK PLACE IN 1949. ALSO NOTHIN WAS MENTIONED ABOUT THE 4th FIGHTER GROUP WINNING THE JET COMPETITION. NEITHER THE JET OR PROPELLER CLASS WON TOP GUN. THEIR WAS NO HIDDEN TROPHY.

[@josephshade2037]

Thank You Lt. Col. Harvey, you are a true American Hero

[@reloadingentertainment1261]

Love these guys and how vivid their memories are. I can't even remember what I had for dinner yesterday.

[@graceslick705]

Sir...You have my Greatest respect!!! Your a legend, a Hero and a true Gentleman. Thank you for your service and you are the meaning behind " Fly, Fight and Win" 🇺🇸🦅

[@Bench485]

00:30 Loved that!!! I miss hearing these stories from Vets ....Sadly most of them have passed away...Just checked Lt. Col is still alive...99 years old..loved this TY

[@INKEDCREATIONS]

I'm very happy I had the opportunity to hear this man's story

[@beatrizdesantiago9730]

This man is sharp as a tack for his age Incredible !

[@stephenking4794]

Guys like him,,, make guys like me ,,,,LATE For work listening to these stories, they are the real deal.

[@ronlal652]

hate to seen him as a youngster, that,s why Hilter threw in the towel.

[@Me-cq2ng]

Heroic Trail blazer. He faced all those challenges, and still went on to accomplish top level success. No excuses, only high performance results. 100 likes, though I can only post one.

[@shawnpa]

Here's a happy warrior. Excellent attitude and natural born salesmen. He logged all those hours in the fighter, lived in it, in Korea, very impressive.

[@robotslug]

This man is the definition of cool.

[@chrispierdominici3891]

What a amazing man and a class act, and a true hero!

[@nckruse]

I love his laugh what an amazing man! Fantastic interview loved every minute of it.

[@myherocamus8847]

What a great guy! I almost didn't watch this because I didn't want to commit the time, but it was a fantastic interview. I have tremendous respect for this man!

[@desertrat7634]

I was encouraged to look up Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. by his son a bit over a month ago, and I haven't stopped yet. I do one search that leads to 4 more searches, each of which leads to that many more, and before I know it, the morning sun is shining through my window and my dinner plate is still sitting next to me. Those searched inevitably led to this video. I have yet to be less than amazed by the memories these men convey during the interviews. And I agree with you--super time consuming. I don't regret a single second.

[@TaxationWithoutRepresentation]

Sad that it took so long but I'm glad he was recognized. I really enjoyed this one interview - he's just a straight shooting, down to earth guy with what I consider an amazing story featuring incredible details and accomplishments.

[@stephenking4794]

True.

[@jannotasleep9551]

Thank you James Harvey for your service, you are an awesome man. Not many could walk in your shoes these days. May God Bless you and give you Peace and Joy all of your days.

[@davidcraddock7011]

How could you not love these men. God Bless Them. Listening to them makes your eyes water.

[@jhonezcronic]

I love how sharp these guys are .... I can’t remember what I had for breakfast two days ago....

[@stephenking4794]

Lol,me too

[@lbair6603]

A real Great American. Thank you Sir for your tremendous contribution to our nation under other than optimal conditions. Truely inspiring. God bless you.

[@michaelspero2449]

I 'm proud to have served as a medic at WPAFB, in the Ambulatory Procedure Unit, and was able to met some of these living legends pre/post surgical procedures. Thank you, for your service and telling your story.

[@836dmar]

What a guy! What a group of guys! What we today, of all races, can learn from him. Excellent interview!

[@Orlandojusticenomaga]

True hero we need more stories like this of excellence and service

[@douglasskeens1959]

Make way for a fighter pilot. Thank you for your service.

[@patricknoveski6409]

Thank you Sir.! For being a true American hero, and so positive. Thank you for all you and your squad did for our freedom. Amazing positive human.!

[@spootnewton7121]

Thank you for your service, sir!

[@jamesnicholson9392]

JAMES SCOTT NICHOLSON, ONTARIO, CANADA 🇨🇦 ONCE AGAIN,I SAY THANK YOU FOR PRESERVING THEESE MEMORIES!!! IF THEY COUD TAKE THE TIME,TO LAY THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE!!! I AM GOING TO TAKE THE TIME TO LISTEN TO EACH AND EVERY STORY I CAN!!! IT’S THE LEAST WE CAN DO. RESPECT AND DOUBLE FOR THOSE WHO DON’T SHOW IT...

[@spencem82]

I have watched a lot of these interviews, I have never watched any, more than once, except this one. This man is a living treasure. The USA owe this man and his fellow Tuskegee airmen more than gratitude, they owe them everything! the racists who prevented them from being honored should be named, shamed and stripped of all merit, alive or dead, just on principle to prevent it happening again, literally erase their racist names from history!

[@timmyeades7908]

Respect, honor and gratitude.

[@jwmofficer1089]

Love his story. A truly humble American bad a$$!! I could listen to him for hours.

[@installwebercarburetorsona6159]

An outstanding individual, good by the interviewer as well

[@moisesperez4605]

This signifies, with these men have to go through, to get where they wanted to go, this is my type of person, I salute you, and thanks for your service.

[@mitchellculberson9336]

Thank you for your service to our nation.Your an inspiration to all Americans.

[@tp8030]

Thank you for your service, sir! God bless you!

[@mrmyturn2]

I love this guy! He reminds me of my uncle.

[@xochitl9161]

Deepest gratitude for your service Sir.

[@stuartshenton2665]

Great story SIR. Thank you for your service . Superstar.

[@markleavey1]

You look incredible Sir and sound amazing God Bless

[@phaedrabacker2004]

What a guy. A lot of people could learn from him.

[@tomschueller]

Salutes to you and the rest of the Tuskegee Airman.

[@deborahmccoy3837]

Thanks For Your Service; Mr Harvey. You Went through A Lot. What A Pleasant Attitude.

[@velvetshark1]

A great man of Talent and leadership. The discrimination he endured is disgusting.

[@steamer482]

Great interview...thank you for your service!

[@davehiggins5903]

Thank you sir for your service and our freedom

[@DavidGonzalez-ru4uz]

This is a great man.

[@keithbrooks0223]

This was an awesome interview. Thank you.

[@barbaracoleman9215]

Thank you for telling this story. I am so proud HEAR and see his story. I can walk a little taller and be proud.

[@earlhamlette7030]

The shameful attitude of past wrongs and still today, this man is a American hero, tell the truth shame the devil, no one get alway from evil, this world or the next, thank you sir for your service, glad you were there!!!’!!!!!!!’

[@truthpurveyor8298]

What a man. Thank you SIR for your service to our nation.

[@chairmanoftheboard11]

Talking about injustices isn't complaining, it's telling the truth. Great man.

[@burtthebeast4239]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICES Sir... God bless you ALL......

[@davidrubaloff8652]

Excellent, thank you for your remarkable story and service.

[@desertrat7634]

This man and all who accompanied him as Tuskegee Airmen, is a true inspiration!

[@ctheflower7818]

HERO 👍 GOD bless you and Thank you for your Awesome Service 💜🌹💜💙🙏🦅🙏💙 You ROCK 🇺🇸❣️🇺🇸

[@billfleet4999]

What an amazing man and interview. Wish everyone had his positive attitude.

[@susanwynn2820]

Wow! Lt. Col Harvey….. amazing man! Brilliant! Love his attitude about opportunities missed.

[@Wings_Museum]

Great video! We had the honor to interview Col. Harvey as well and he is the best!

[@rikijett310]

Thank you endlessly for your service and may God bless you always!!!!!

[@galenmerrick]

I love listening to stories like this. Salute LTC Harvey.

[@OMGWTFFYA]

Cream always rises to the top, I really don't understand the discrimination, if I'm being flown or defended by someone I want the best person possible I don't care if they are black white purple or orange.

[@jerredwayne8401]

Thank you sir

[@JetseTurner]

All the flying experience and accomplishments this Black Man has. LT. Col. James H. Harvey III has to become a Salesman for Oscar Myer. This man could have become a major airline C.E.O.

[@31446963048]

What a life you ve lived, sir.

[@driton4titan83]

James Harvey thank you it’s a honor with compassion and equality we love and admire you Sir.

[@brucekinsman2461]

freedom isn't free never quit what an amazing Man

[@ryckykay5626]

What a great person.

[@krystalstarrett6760]

Thank you for your service. God bless you please, be safe, and have fun.

[@gabrielchristian3981]

An outstanding human and a hero for all seasons! Think positive. Never quit. Aim high.

[@TheADDFiles-yk4dc]

Thank you, dear sir, for your service to our great nation. 🇺🇸❤

[@MrTkway]

Thank you for providing us this in depth look of our war heroes.

[@gordonallen9095]

American pioneer, trailblazer, and HERO. History not told....

[@raisin39]

Enjoyed his story "Hero" I hope a movie is make to tell his story. I started watching your interviews and so glad you got this one and hope for many more. We should appreciate what are great men have done.