100-Year-Old Tuskegee Airman Pilot Honored on His Birthday in Detroit

DETROIT (WXYZ) — A decorated World War II fighter pilot achieved a major milestone on this Fourth of July.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart Jr. turned 100. Eighty years ago, he distinguished himself in the skies of Europe as a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.

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The Detroit chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Tuskegee National Historical Museum paid tribute to one of the last living Tuskegee Pilots with a special birthday gift.

“It’s not easy to get used to it yet,” Stewart said. “I wanted it to happen really quickly when I was a teenager, but now I want it to slow down a bit.”

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In 1944, Stewart was sent overseas to Italy and assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group. There he flew 43 long-range bomber escort missions over central Europe. These included the destruction of three enemy aircraft in air combat and one of four Top Guns.

“We flew together in Las Vegas for the first Top Gun movie,” Stewart said.

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Today, at 100 years old, Stewart is still razor sharp, has an excellent memory and a great sense of humor.

“We’re just happy to have this day, this moment, to celebrate him, his accomplishments, his history, his legacy and everything he did for America and the American people,” said Tamara Perrin of Tuskegee Airmen Inc.

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The reception was attended by family and friends from near and far, who showered Stewart with flowers while he could smell them.

“I’m thrilled. I’m just overwhelmed. I think it’s wonderful,” Stewart said.

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He says he is happy to share this special day with the county he fought for.

“I think I love it just as much. I loved it then, I love it now,” Stewart said. “I think we still have a long way to go, no doubt about it. And I think we have to be vigilant, just as we have been in the past.”