SARASOTA, Fla. - Lt. Col. George Hardy, a trailblazer who soared into history as one of the youngest Tuskegee Airmen, has passed away in Sarasota at the age of 100.

The backstory:

Hardy’s journey began in 1942, when he earned his wings at just 19 years old, becoming the youngest Tuskegee fighter pilot.

He went on to fly 21 combat missions over Germany in World War II, later serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, making him one of the few American pilots to see combat in three conflicts.

What they're saying:

Through it all, Hardy never shied away from telling his story.

Reflecting on his journey, he once said, "We went into the Air Force with racial segregation. When we came out, we changed...When I look back on my service, I’m so proud of the Air Force. And I just think I w

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