1001 HISTORY'S BEST STORYTELLERS Show Notes – Interview with Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart, Jr. Featuring the book Soaring to Glory
Few interviews in the 1001 catalog carry the emotional weight, historical importance, and sheer inspiration of Jon Hagadorn's conversation with Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart, Jr., one of the last surviving combat fighter pilots of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. Stewart's life story — captured in the book Soaring to Glory — is a testament to courage, discipline, patriotism, and the unbreakable will to rise above adversity.
This episode stands as one of Jon's favorite interviews from more than 80 conducted for 1001 Heroes, and it's easy to understand why. Stewart is not only a decorated pilot — he is a gifted storyteller, a thoughtful historian, and a living link to one of the most important chapters in American military history.
About Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart, Jr.
Harry Stewart was born in 1924 and grew up in New York City, where he dreamed of flying long before the U.S. military allowed Black men to train as pilots. When the Army Air Forces finally opened the door, Stewart stepped through it with determination, earning his wings at Tuskegee and joining the famed 332nd Fighter Group — the "Red Tails."
Stewart flew P‑51 Mustangs in World War II, escorting bombers over Europe and engaging enemy aircraft in some of the most dangerous skies of the war. He achieved three confirmed aerial victories, making him one of the few African American fighter aces in U.S. history.
After the war, Stewart continued to serve, later becoming a commercial pilot and engineer — breaking barriers in multiple fields.
About the Tuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in U.S. history, trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. They fought not only the Axis powers abroad, but also segregation and prejudice at home. Despite facing discrimination at every turn, they compiled one of the most impressive combat records of the war.
Their legacy includes:
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Distinguished combat performance in Europe
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Over 15,000 combat sorties
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Numerous Distinguished Flying Crosses
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A lasting impact on military integration, helping pave the way for President Truman's 1948 order desegregating the armed forces
Stewart's story is part of this larger legacy — a legacy of excellence, discipline, and quiet heroism.
About the Book – Soaring to Glory
Soaring to Glory, written with Philip Handleman, chronicles Stewart's journey from a young man with a dream to a fighter pilot in one of the most elite units of World War II. The book blends personal narrative with historical detail, offering a vivid look at:
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The rigorous training at Tuskegee
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The camaraderie and discipline of the 332nd Fighter Group
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Stewart's combat missions over Europe
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The challenges of returning home to a segregated America
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His postwar achievements in aviation and engineering
It is both a war memoir and a story of perseverance — a reminder that courage comes in many forms.
Why This Interview Matters
This conversation is more than an interview — it is a living historical document. Stewart speaks with clarity, humility, and insight about:
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What it meant to fly in combat
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The responsibility of protecting bomber crews
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The pride of wearing the Red Tail colors
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The obstacles he and his fellow airmen overcame
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The importance of remembering the past so future generations can learn from it
For listeners, this episode offers a rare chance to hear directly from a man who lived history — and who helped change it.
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