Combat In The Sky: 136 Combat Missions Across Three Wars | Tuskegee Airmen | George Hardy

[@americanveteranscenter]

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[@paulmichaelsmith3207]

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.

[@richardkirk5098]

Your dad sounds like a very good man.

[@msand3062]

Men selected for Tuskegee were the cream of the crop in every way from a segregated black America.

[@youve_been_rennelsed1249]

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.

[@D.Ambrose]

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.

[@briansmith2616]

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.

[@dbach1025]

he is way smarter than the 25, 30 year-olds we see on the news every night.

[@gudgengrebe]

True

[@montanadad2223]

Sharper than Brandon, the current occupant of the White House.

[@briansmith2616]

@@montanadad2223 Few people are more dimwitted than that creepy kid sniffer.

[@paulg6142]

I'm starting to realize the pilot videos are all pretty sharp dudes. It makes me realize how sharp you have to be to be a pilot.

[@garyackerson738]

This man is a national treasure, what a life. I hope we still produce men like him. Thank you sir!

[@traderalex1]

Sadly, we don't look what is coming out of our colleges, today.

[@chuckdemaree2288]

Courage, honor and integrity has no color. God bless you and thank you for your outstanding service!

[@rodneymoore7270]

Those characteristics do have a color ... it is the color of blood!!!!

[@harrycroker7077]

Lt Col Hardy: Thank you for your years and years of service. It makes me proud to hear your story.

[@joeswife]

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.

[@TuskegeeCadet]

Jesus, still this sharp at 98 🙌🏾

[@DEVILDOG1964]

SHARPER THAN JOE BRIBEM!!

[@hillsane9262]

​@DEVILDOG1964 way sharper than hurricane bleach Trump too.

[@karlbotkin2349]

Thank you very much Colonel Hardy. I was a Career Navy Man, 1976-2007. I was a Cold War Tin Can Veteran and an Iraq/Kuwait Boots on the Ground Veteran. Thank you for your Perseverance, Strength and Faith in very challenging times. God bless you and your Family in your retirement. Karl T. Botkin U.S. Navy Customs, U.S. Navy Law Enforcement and Culinary Specialist Petty Officer 1st Class.

[@markr447]

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.

[@IanSinclair77]

Wow....I thought this was from many years ago. I can't thank this man and those like him enough. His grace...every time he could have talked about the absolute racism, he chose to dodge it...he is better than most ( and I'm white). He is the very embodiment of someone that make me try to be a better person. Thank you for your service, and thank you for being a role model and great person.

[@AJF-ql4yz]

That was an absolute pleasure to listen to. God bless you sir and God bless America. From 🇬🇧

[@dogbone6315]

Man. I thought this was recorded 20 years ago. It was last year. He looks great at 98

[@stevenlind5154]

Thank you for your service to our Country Mr. Hardy, SIR!!

[@byufan]

This man is in remarkable condition for being almost 100 years old. Thank you for your service George!

[@Nighthawk1966]

This guys memory is astounding ! What an American Hero 🇺🇸 !!! Thank you sir !!!

[@jbratt]

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.

[@digitalphoenix72]

What incredibly intelligent, poignant soldier. He doesn't look a day over 60 years old, I hope he feels just as good as he looks! We are incredibly blessed that he has maintained his health all these years, because his story has a lot more nuance to it than most who served in World War II, and he got a birds eye view before the civil rights movement. The guy is tough, no bs, and somehow he stopped aging in 1985. I had to show my fiance the interview (interesting perspective as well, as shes first generation Japanese-American, and her grandmother who is still alive has ptsd from air raid alarms... im a heavy sleeper, so that was my morning alarm for the longest time... good thing my fiance noticed before my alarm reminding her grandmother of a time shes tried to forget...) and she kept saying "korea" and i kept correcting her and saying "no, ww2. Hes almost 100 years old", and her being an age defying woman herself was just beyond surprised. We are incredibly blessed that there is still a population have the greatest Generation who are still alive and well. I count ourselves very lucky to have you among us on earth, sir. Its a better place for it, and thats more than most can say. What a story, what experience, and how lucky we are to have this interview on tape...

[@garycurry4600]

Truly the Greatest Generation

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Absolutely 100% the finest Americans ever to live.

[@richardkirk5098]

Absolutely

[@bruceerwin5430]

This guy fought in WW2, Korea and Vietnam.. absolute legend.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Great to hear people like that boss can change, and this man was good enough to realize it and embrace it.

[@mikeulrich535]

Wow, 98 and still sharp as a tack. Flying missisons before he could buy a drink. What a man and what a generation.

[@natehancock7882]

What an amazing story, this gentleman accomplished so much while he served his country so well.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I would give anything to be able to sit down and talk to this man. Thank you sir.

[@WarDogs_Dad]

Thank you for your service. You are truly an American hero

[@nmr3352]

Just one more reason why they are rightfully known as the greatest generation. 19 years old, incredible!

[@RadarHawk52]

Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting several Tuskegee Airman. Impressive men all.

[@steveharvey8546]

Incredible man

[@ramoneortiz]

Awesome story of an awesome man. A true patriot.

[@GroovesAndLands]

What an amazing man. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@Manticore2024]

What a life he’s had! Thank you for your service, sir! 🇺🇸

[@benb9244]

This was the most remarkable story I've heard on this channel so far. Unbelievable record of service.

[@jbsang54]

That is being totally fearless! Thank you sir for your service!!

[@richardtierney7724]

What an incredible man..... What a service history and then civilian life. What achievements he made over his lifetime. Utter respect.

[@wayneferguson4878]

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.

[@garysmith3173]

An amazing boy and an amazing man. A hero.

[@paulborden2544]

That was awsum best interview I've seen. How can he remember those dates? True hero that we can respect.

[@richardgirard9301]

amazing man. a true hero.

[@garyk8558]

My dad made it home because these great Tuskegee Airmen he did many missions in his B17 unit with them escorting he never said they did every mission with them they were great piolets He did 35 Missions to Germany and back He was a member of The Lucky Bastards Club

[@realwealthproperties5671]

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.

[@G1951-w1y]

Amazing career and a true American. Much respect for his accomplishments and career.

[@Faustinho]

Thats a real hero talking. Thanks for your service!

[@ronaldweed6103]

Thank you for your Service, my RESPECT

[@alanbrown2135]

Welcome home Sir. Thank you for your service

[@rodneymoore7270]

THANK Y0U SIR!!! AMAZING STORY AND HISTORY ... I AM PROUD TO JUST LISTEN TO YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AGAINST ALL ODDS!!!!

[@XHollisWood]

God Bless you Sir for your service, courage and sacrifice 🇺🇸✌🏻🫶🏻❤️🇺🇸

[@johngrogan7585]

Thank you Sir. This is an awesome amazing man. Thank you Sir

[@christophergagliano2051]

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.

[@jayduke8554]

19 years old 😮 So much respect

[@davidmacfarlane5700]

Thank you, sir, for your service and dedication.And perseverance

[@billfix1150]

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.

[@zimtastic1171]

I wish you all the best in your efforts! ❤️

[@ThatOneMindTraveler]

It’s only a bad thing if make it a bad thing! Some people have generations of families in one place! It’s ok to think about where you want to be! I hope you make the most out of the remaining time you have and for the most peace and happiness u can have!

[@deano6912]

Sounds like a lovely bloke. Tuskegee is a place I would love to visit someday.

[@artbennett7321]

Incredible interview. Sincere thanks for your service.

[@CamilleCullen-ow6qj]

Thank you sir so very much for defending our country!!!

[@yossarianmnichols9641]

That is one hellavu story and life. Never heard of anyone who flew combat in all three wars.

[@johngrogan7585]

Thank you Sir

[@michaelkneale3825]

What a story! The guy is an inspiration to all.

[@nicholasroberts6954]

From the UK . . truly privileged to hear this gentleman's story of lifetime accomplishment and positive mental attitude in the face of adversity.

[@irongoatrocky2343]

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.

[@altairprime7895]

An officer, a fighter pilot, a combat veteran before he was old enough to vote or buy a beer. One can only salute such a man.

[@thomasshoff6512]

The proving and approving of black airmen was a bright event in a horrible war! They launched the changing of attitudes in the military and elsewhere. God Bless them all!

[@susanjones2701]

Respect.

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

The greatest generation truly and men were men. We are forever indebted to these brave men and women.

[@dougc3930]

Wow - what a truly impressive man.

[@timchapman5567]

Wonderful account. I'm 84 and was never a military hero; but my goal is to be (almost) as mentally sharp as Mr Hardy on reaching his age.

[@r6343]

Amazing man. Very sharp. Gotta respect him. Kudos to him.

[@michaelmclaughlin1765]

I've been part of the 332nd twice now. They reactivated the squadron. Red tails spit fire

[@davidsowens]

Wow, what a great story, loved it

[@elliottgoad3128]

A remarkable story. Thank you for your service.

[@samstreby8727]

So thankful for the service sacrifice diligence and love of country. Thank you sir for the freedom we are enjoying.

[@scograham]

What a fascinating story. This is one of my favorite talks. George seems so young still. Thanks.

[@TheBlazeboy69]

Wow..just wow...this guy is a literal 1 in a million

[@joejones3042]

What a remarkable history/career. I'm sure glad he was on our side. Thank you for all that you've done for US.

[@danielhardwick4074]

The integrity and character of this man is why segregation disappeared. He proved that the highest level the equality of his race.

[@wyore4344]

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.

[@keithdavis9897]

Incredible story and life. Wow !!! This man is such a patriot

[@usnchief1339]

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.

[@R.boomhower]

Age is just a number . Up to the individual how he takes care of himself through out later life.

[@darkgalaxy5548]

You'll think that until the Dr tells you about a disease or condition you never even heard of.

[@danmiller2523]

Really enjoyed listening to his story. Thank God men like him are on our side.

[@harryburge9803]

A great soldier and scholar!!

What an interview and what a man! Amazing to listen to his story, I could listen for hours. Thank you, sir!

[@bobbynesbitt1863]

Thank you for your service sir 🙏❤️

[@electriclightning9647]

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

[@ViperHummel]

I got to hear him speak in the War Bird area at Airventure 2023. Amazing stories.

[@skepticalmechanic]

Thank you for serving our great country!

[@VernonWallace]

VERY INTERESTING. Thank you for this video.

[@MrCabimero]

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.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Wow, flying combat in 3 wars. Thats crazy. Hero right there.

[@thommysides4616]

What a truly great American he is! God bless you sir!!!

[@tonys1202]

Impressive he was 19 flying a P51

[@t.j.h2810]

And free gasoline to boot.

[@barryduke2506]

Bless you Sir... It's because of man like you that both my parents survived ww2....thank you so much!! Warm greetings from the Netherlands

[@aprilmay578]

What a great man. Thank you so very much for your service to our nation. 💕❤💕❤💕❤💕

[@MichaelWilliams-nv3ri]

Fantastic, thank you for your service.....❤

[@iskandartaib]

I found the part about the AC-119s in Vietnam to be the most interesting - I'd heard about AC-47s and AC-130s but I hadn't heard about the AC-119 until now.

[@samwhite7291]

He still look so young of his ages, so thankful for his service

[@LeavyRiddlespur]

Thank you for your service, and sacrifices. God Bless you for it 😊

[@PhilAlumb]

Amazing memories.❤️‍🔥🇺🇸

[@Andreas-md3ly]

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 !

[@gabrielmello8541]

Woww living legend ! Respect