SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
WASHINGTON — Alabama’s congressional delegation united on the U.S. House floor this week to honor the life and legacy of Lt. Col. George Hardy, the last surviving member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, following his death in late September at age 100.
Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, led the tribute, delivering remarks that celebrated Hardy’s historic service as the youngest fighter pilot among the Airmen. Figures praised Hardy’s courage, discipline, and commitment to breaking racial barriers at a pivotal moment in American history.
“Lieutenant Colonel Hardy kept the mission first, front and center,” Figures said. “With the other Tuskegee Airmen, they exceeded expectations and left behind a sptacular record of service and accomplishment.”
In a display of bipartisan unity, Congressman Figures stood alongside U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), and most of the Alabama’s House delegation as lawmakers from both parties paused for a solemn moment of silence.
A Legacy Etched in American History
Hardy and the Tuskegee Airmen served in the all-Black 332nd Fighter Group, known as the “Red Tails.” Flying combat missions across Europe during World War II, the unit became one of the most successful bomber escort groups of the war, posting one of the lowest loss rates of any U.S. force.
Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Birmingham, highlighted the group’s extraordinary list of military honors, detailing their service record on the House floor.
“They received numerous accolades for their service, including three Distinguished Unit Citations, 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Bronze Stars, 744 Air Medals, at least 60 Purple Hearts and one Silver Star,” Palmer said.
Carrying Forward the Legacy
Rep. Figures, with support from Alabama’s entire delegation, has introduced legislation to rename a U.S. post office in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen—an effort to ensure future generations remember their bravery and sacrifice.
Hardy’s passing marks the end of a living chapter in Ameriacan military and civil-rights history. But lawmakers said his legacy—and that of the Tuskegee Airmen—will continue to inspire the nation.
