Stewart was born in Newport News, Virginia, and grew up in Queens, New York. His fascination with flight took root at an early age, prompting him to join the Junior Birdmen of America, a national organization for children interested in aviation and model plane building. When America became embroiled in World War II, Stewart dropped out of high school to volunteer for aviation cadet training in the U.S. Army Air Forces. By 1944, he was a Second Lieutenant in the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Stewart flew 43 combat missions, and in one dogfight he downed three German aircraft in a single day, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, he obtained a degree in mechanical engineering from New York University and remained in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Stewart became a passionate advocate for the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and had a hand in the group receiving the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. He passed at the age of 100.

HARRY T STEWART JR

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