American Legend Col. James H. Harvey III Turns 102
Denver, Colorado (July 13, 2025)- This week, we celebrated the birthday of a true American legend—Col. James H. Harvey III. As one of the Original Tuskegee Airmen and one of the first to compete and win in the the first ever USAF Gunnery Meet , Col. Harvey broke barriers, set records, and inspired generations through service, skill, and resilience.
Born in 1923, Harvey became one of the first African American fighter pilots to serve in the newly formed U.S. Air Force. He flew 140 missions during the Korean War and was part of the 332nd Fighter Group—the famed Tuskegee Airmen—who defied racism and prejudice to fight for freedom abroad and at home.
In 1949, Col. Harvey and the 332nd Fighter Group won first place in the conventional aircraft division at the USAF Gunnery Meet in the Nevada desert. Despite their victory, it took decades for the achievement to be formally recognized—a reminder of both the obstacles he overcame and the legacy he built.
He’s now over 100 years old and still offers timeless advice:
“Being old doesn’t mean anything. It’s just a number. It’s your attitude: you have to keep a positive attitude about everything. If you do that, you’re all right. And have a sense of humor. If you don’t have a sense of humor, you’re dead in the water.”*
Since this week marks his birthday, it’s the perfect time to reflect on his legacy—and to learn more about how it continues to inspire future generations.
Through the CAF Rise Above program, Col. Harvey’s story and those of his fellow Tuskegee Airmen are shared with thousands of students and visitors each year. With its traveling exhibit, immersive theater, and outreach efforts, CAF Rise Above brings the Airmen’s legacy to life while promoting the six guiding principles they lived by: Aim High, Believe in Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready to Go, Never Quit, and Expect to Win.
The CAF Rise Above program also proudly tells the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)—the first women to fly American military aircraft. These trailblazing women paved the way for future generations and are honored alongside the Tuskegee Airmen as part of the CAF’s mission to inspire through powerful stories of perseverance, courage, and service.
Learn more about Col. Harvey’s incredible journey here: www.cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii.
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