Harry Stewart Jr. Death & Obituary: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan – Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., a decorated World War II pilot and one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Stewart’s death marks the loss of a pioneering figure in American military history.
A Distinguished Career: From Tuskegee to Top Gun
Stewart was a key member of the 332nd Fighter Group, the nation’s first Black military aviators, and earned widespread recognition for his bravery and skill during World War II. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after downing three German aircraft during a battle on April 1, 1945. Additionally, Stewart was part of the historic four-man team from the Tuskegee Airmen that won the U.S. Air Force Top Gun competition in 1949, an achievement that remained largely unrecognized for many years.
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“Harry Stewart was a kind man of profound character and accomplishment with a distinguished career of service he continued long after fighting for our country in World War II,” said Brian Smith, president and CEO of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum.
Early Life and Military Service
Born on July 4, 1924, in Virginia, Stewart’s family moved to New York, where his love for aviation was sparked. His passion for flying grew as he watched planes at LaGuardia Airport, and the events of Pearl Harbor inspired him to enlist at 18 in the U.S. military’s experimental program to train Black pilots. This initiative, which led to the formation of the Tuskegee Airmen, was groundbreaking in its efforts to break racial barriers in the armed forces.
Despite facing segregation and prejudice, Stewart’s determination led him to complete his training and earn his wings. The Tuskegee Airmen, known for the distinctive red tips on their P-51 Mustang aircraft, played a critical role in escorting U.S. bombers during their campaigns in Europe, ensuring a significantly lower loss rate compared to other fighter groups.
Life After War: A Legacy of Persistence and Triumph
After the war, Stewart faced racial discrimination that prevented him from becoming a commercial airline pilot. However, he did not let these barriers define his future. Instead, Stewart pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at New York University and later moved to Detroit. There, he enjoyed a successful career, ultimately retiring as vice president of a natural gas pipeline company.
In a 2019 interview, Stewart reflected on a powerful moment from a commercial flight, where he saw two African American women pilots in the cockpit. “When I entered the plane, I looked into the cockpit, and there were two African American pilots—one was the co-pilot, and one was the pilot. But not only that, the thing that started bringing the tears to my eyes is that they were both female,” he recalled, noting the significance of this milestone for diversity in aviation.
A National Hero: Honoring His Legacy
Stewart’s passing is not only a loss to his family but to the entire nation. His contributions as a trailblazer for Black military aviators and his role in dismantling racial barriers in aviation have left an indelible mark on American history. He is remembered as a man of honor, courage, and unwavering commitment to service.
Conclusion: A Life Well Lived
Harry Stewart Jr.’s story is one of triumph over adversity, of resilience in the face of injustice, and of service to a country that sought to limit his opportunities. As one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, his death leaves a void, but his legacy will live on in the generations he inspired. The Tuskegee Airmen’s courage and sacrifice continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of equality, perseverance, and the pursuit of justice.
Stewart’s remarkable life is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen and the lasting impact they had on both the military and the fight for civil rights in America.