WASHINGTON — A 100-year-old from Bethesda has been seen by more than 100 million people this week alone.
Charles McGee is one of the few surviving black pilots of World War II. He saluted the nation during Tuesday’s State of the Union and was on the field during the Super Bowl coin toss.
"It’s been a good one," McGee said, laughing about his big week as he was honored during a Wednesday ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
McGee wore a new star on his uniform after he was given an honorary promotion to Brigadier General on Tuesday night. President Trump signed the certificate making it official.
“It just puts a smile on my face and it’s certainly an honor indeed,” McGee said.
McGee told WUSA9 that he welcomes all the praise, even though he says history did not immediately recognize the Tuskegee Airmen. He flew 136 missions over Nazi Europe and North Africa. He served 30 years in the Air Force, retiring with the rank of Colonel.
“I don’t do it for my own feeling but realize there are valued lessons to what I accomplished and what we as Tuskegee Airmen accomplished that needs to be passed onto the young folks,” McGee said.
Astronaut Alvin Drew interviewed McGee for NASA TV. Drew flew on the Space Shuttle twice, but he called interviewing McGee surreal.
“Here’s a guy who spent his entire life not looking for the spotlight,” Drew said. “So, if you’re trying to just do good, sometimes your karma comes back and hits you.”