The passing of Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., a celebrated World War II pilot and one of the last surviving combat pilots of the Tuskegee Airmen, marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in American history. Stewart, who died peacefully at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, at the age of 100, left behind a legacy of courage, determination, and breaking racial barriers. As a member of the 332nd Fighter Group, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen, Stewart was part of a groundbreaking group of Black military pilots who shattered racial stereotypes and proved their mettle in the skies during one of the darkest periods of the 20th century. His life, marked by profound character and service, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and accomplishment.
Born on July 4, 1924, in Virginia, Stewart’s journey to becoming a trailblazing pilot began with a childhood fascination with flight. His family later moved to New York, where he would often watch planes at LaGuardia Airport, sparking a lifelong passion for aviation. This fascination only grew stronger, and after the attack on Pearl Harbor, an 18-year-old Stewart enlisted in a then-experimental program to train Black military pilots. Known as the Tuskegee Airmen for their training base in Alabama, or the Red Tails for the distinctive red tips of their P-51 Mustangs, Stewart and his fellow pilots faced not only the challenges of combat but also the oppressive realities of segregation and racial prejudice in the United States. Despite these obstacles, Stewart remained steadfast in his determination to earn his wings and serve his country. As he later reflected, he did not fully grasp the historical significance of his actions at the time, but he knew it was his duty to stand up and do what was right.
Stewart’s military career was nothing short of remarkable. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism during a dogfight on April 1, 1945, when he downed three German aircraft. His skills as a pilot were further highlighted when he and three other Tuskegee Airmen won the U.S. Air Force Top Gun flying competition in 1949, though their achievement would not be officially recognized until decades later. Stewart’s experiences during the war were a mix of awe-inspiring beauty and intense responsibility. He often described the breathtaking panorama of hundreds of bombers and fighter planes in formation, leaving behind trails of condensation in the sky, as a “ballet in the sky.” This sense of belonging to something much larger than himself stayed with him throughout his life. Yet, Stewart often downplayed his role in history, humbly attributing his focus to the sheer joy of flying rather than any awareness of the broader impact he was making.
After the war, Stewart faced a new set of challenges as he sought to transition into civilian life. Despite his impressive military record, he was denied the opportunity to become a commercial airline pilot due to racial discrimination. Undeterred, he pursued a degree in mechanical engineering from New York University and went on to have a successful career in the corporate world, eventually retiring as the vice president of a natural gas pipeline company. Stewart’s determination to succeed, despite the barriers he encountered, speaks volumes about his character and resilience. His story is not just one of military heroism but also of overcoming adversity and finding new paths to success in the face of systemic racism.
In his later years, Stewart became an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion, a cause that took on new urgency in the face of recent challenges. In 2019, he shared a deeply emotional experience during a commercial flight, where he was moved to tears upon seeing two African American female pilots in the cockpit. This moment, he said, brought home the progress that had been made, though it also underscored how far the country still had to go. His reflections on this encounter highlight the profound impact of seeing representation in roles that were once entirely closed off to people of color. Stewart’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for future generations.
Stewart’s legacy extends far beyond his military service and professional achievements. He was a man of profound character, whose kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice inspired countless people. As Brian Smith, president and CEO of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum, noted, Stewart’s life was a testament to the power of service and perseverance. His passing leaves a void, but his story continues to inspire and educate, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Harry Stewart’s life was a soaring testament to the human spirit, and his legacy will endure as a reminder of the transformative power of courage, determination, and hope.
