Philadelphia’s Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, the last living WWII Tuskegee Airman, honored in Harrisburg
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler June 27, 2025 | 1:11 PM
HARRISBURG, June 27 - On Wednesday, June 25, the office of State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, along with the offices of PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton, State Reps. Jordan Harris and Napoleon Nelson honored Lt. Col. George Hardy, the last living Tuskegee Airman of World War II.
Hardy was born in Philadelphia and attended Walter George Smith School and South Philadelphia High School. He completed his pilot training at the Tuskegee Institute, earning his wings in September 1944.
While stationed in Italy between February and September of 1945, Hardy flew 21 high-altitude combat missions escorting bombers over Germany. Hardy was also deployed during the Korean and Vietnam wars, completing 45 flight missions in Korea and 70 in Vietnam.
On Wednesday, Hardy’s descendants, including grandchildren Jessamyn and Julian Bryce, niece Lee Hardy Trotter, and grandnephew Jospeh Trotter, were recognized on the PA House floor by McClinton. The family was given a tour of the state Capitol and met with lawmakers, including Fiedler, Nelson, Harris, State Sens. Nikil Saval and Anthony Williams, and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis.
Hardy, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, currently resides in Florida. He was not able to make the trip but watched the livestream from his home.
The PA General Assembly also recently passed a resolution designating June 8, 2025, as “Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Day” in Pennsylvania. The resolution, introduced by Fiedler, is intended to honor Hardy's military service and recognize him as a decorated veteran, community leader and enduring symbol of courage.