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In addition to encouraging young men and women to pursue careers in aviation, McGee was a source of information about the Tuskegee Airmen and offered a unique perspective on race relations
of the era through the airmen’s nonprofit educational organization. “At the time of the war, the idea of an all African American flight squadron was radical and offensive to many,” McGee
wrote in an essay for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. “The prevailing opinion was that blacks did not possess the intelligence or courage to be military pilots. One general
even wrote, ‘The Negro type has not the proper reflexes to make a first-rate fighter pilot.’ The Tuskegee Airmen certainly proved men like him wrong.” Charles Edward McGee was born Dec. 7,
1919, in Cleveland, the son of a minister who also worked as a teacher and social worker and was a military chaplain. He graduated from high school in Chicago in 1938. Along with his son,
survivors include daughters Charlene McGee Smith and Yvonne McGee, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. His wife of more than 50 years, Frances, died in
1994. A family statement described McGee as “a living legend known for his kind-hearted and humble nature, who saw positivity at every turn.” In tweets Sunday honoring McGee, both Vice
President Kamala Harris and Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III called him an American hero. “While I am saddened by his loss, I’m also incredibly grateful for his sacrifice, his legacy,
and his character. Rest in peace, General,” Austin wrote. In his Smithsonian essay, McGee wrote that he was often asked why the Tuskegee Airmen were so successful in combat. “I would say
it was because of our courage and perseverance,” he wrote. “We dreamed of being pilots as boys but were told it was not possible. Through faith and determination we overcame enormous
obstacles. This is a lesson that all young people need to hear.” He added: “I am most proud of my work as a Tuskegee Airman that helped bring down racial barriers and defeat the Nazis.”