Flying over Europe, Harry Stewart Jr. was in a fight for his life. The pilot had just shot down two German planes. Now a third German plane was chasing him. Stewart jerked his plane back and forth as he dodged enemy bullets.  

“I was frightened to death,” says Stewart, who is now 99.

Finally, the German pilot lost control and crash-landed.

It was April 1, 1945. Stewart was fighting in World War II (1939-1945). He was one of the Tuskegee Airmen. They were the first Black pilots in the U.S. armed forces. 

Harry Stewart Jr. was flying over Europe. He was in a fight for his life. The pilot had just shot down two German planes. Now a third German plane was chasing him. Stewart had to dodge enemy bullets. So he jerked his plane back and forth. 

“I was frightened to death,” says Stewart. He is now 99 years old.

Finally, the German pilot lost control. The enemy plane crash-landed.

It was April 1, 1945. Stewart was fighting in World War II (1939-1945). He was one of the Tuskegee Airmen. They were the first Black pilots in the U.S. armed forces. 

Growing up in New York City, Stewart dreamed of flying a military plane. 

But the U.S. military was segregated. Black soldiers were not allowed in the same fighting groups as White soldiers. And they couldn’t be pilots. 

That changed in July 1941. The Army began training Black pilots at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

Stewart grew up in New York City. He dreamed of flying a military plane. 

But the U.S. military was segregated. Black soldiers were not allowed in the same fighting groups as White soldiers. And they couldn’t be pilots. 

That changed in July 1941. The Army began training Black pilots at the Tuskegee Institute. That’s in Alabama.

Still, Black soldiers came home to discrimination after the war. For instance, Stewart tried to get a job flying planes for two different airlines. Neither airline would hire a Black pilot. 

But Stewart remained positive and strong. Today, he continues to tell his story to people. He hopes what he did will inspire future generations.

“Use it as an example of how great this country can be,” says Stewart. “Go after what you want with all of your heart and soul.”

Still, Black soldiers came home to discrimination after the war. For instance, Stewart tried to get a job flying planes for two different airlines. Neither airline would hire a Black pilot. 

But Stewart remained positive and strong. Today, he continues to tell his story to people. He hopes what he did will inspire future generations.

“Use it as an example of how great this country can be,” says Stewart. “Go after what you want with all of your heart and soul.”