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'''James H. Harvey III'''(July 13, 1923 – ) is a retired U.S. Army Air Force officer and an [[African-American]] fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron (the famed [[Tuskegee Airmen]] or "Red Tails").<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref>
'''James H. Harvey III'''(July 13, 1923 – ) is a retired U.S. Army Air Force officer and an [[African-American]] fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron (the famed [[Tuskegee Airmen]] or "Red Tails").<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref> Harvey became the first African American jet fighter pilot to engage in combat during the [[Korean War]].<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref>

Harvey became the first African American jet fighter pilot to engage in combat during the [[Korean War]].


In May 1949, Harvey and a team of 332nd Fighter Group pilots won the U.S. Air Force's inaugural Air Force-wide "Top Gun" competition held at the Las Vegas Air Force Base (now [[Nellis Air Force Base]].<ref> The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. "Wall of Honor Level: Air and Space Friend/Dedicated Panel: Tuskegee Airmen - Mr. James H. Harvey, III." https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/james-h-harvey-iii </ref><ref> Youtube. American Veterans Center. "Tuskegee Top Gun' James Harvey, the First African American Jet Combat Pilot." Interview with James H. Harvey III. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqA1ihi_0MU </ref> Representing the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Squadron, Harvey won with a team comprising 100th Squadron's First Lieutenant Harry Stewart, Jr., the 300th Squadron's Captain Alva Temple, 99th Squadron's First Lieutenant Halbert Alexander (who served as an alternate pilot), and Buford Johnson as ground crew leader. U.S. Air Force brass buried the results of the 1949 Top Gun results for many years until the Airforce updated its archives in 1995.<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref> Flying F-47Ns, a variant of the [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt variants]], Harvey and his team won against other Air Force teams flying far more advanced aircraft.<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref>
In May 1949, Harvey and a team of 332nd Fighter Group pilots won the U.S. Air Force's inaugural Air Force-wide "Top Gun" competition held at the Las Vegas Air Force Base (now [[Nellis Air Force Base]].<ref> The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. "Wall of Honor Level: Air and Space Friend/Dedicated Panel: Tuskegee Airmen - Mr. James H. Harvey, III." https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/james-h-harvey-iii </ref><ref> Youtube. American Veterans Center. "Tuskegee Top Gun' James Harvey, the First African American Jet Combat Pilot." Interview with James H. Harvey III. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqA1ihi_0MU </ref> Representing the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Squadron, Harvey won with a team comprising 100th Squadron's First Lieutenant Harry Stewart, Jr., the 300th Squadron's Captain Alva Temple, 99th Squadron's First Lieutenant Halbert Alexander (who served as an alternate pilot), and Buford Johnson as ground crew leader. U.S. Air Force brass buried the results of the 1949 Top Gun results for many years until the Airforce updated its archives in 1995.<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref> Flying F-47Ns, a variant of the [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt variants]], Harvey and his team won against other Air Force teams flying far more advanced aircraft.<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref>
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==Korean War, Later Career, Retirement==
==Korean War, Later Career, Retirement==
Harvey became the first African American to engage in combat as a jet fighter pilot in the [[Korean War]]. Harvey was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and several other Air Medals leading four [[F-80]]s amidst bad weather conditions during a bomber support mission October 16, 1950 near [[Yongsan, Korea]], inflicting heavy damage on an enemy encampment.<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref>
Harvey became the first African American jet fighter pilot to engage in combat during the [[Korean War]]. Harvey was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and several other Air Medals leading four [[F-80]]s amidst bad weather conditions during a bomber support mission October 16, 1950 near [[Yongsan, Korea]], inflicting heavy damage on an enemy encampment.<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref> Harvey flew 140 missions in Korea.<ref> The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. "Wall of Honor Level: Air and Space Friend/Dedicated Panel: Tuskegee Airmen - Mr. James H. Harvey, III." https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/james-h-harvey-iii </ref>


After the [[Korean War]], Harvey served in multiple roles including a test pilot, flight commander, and Battle Staff Training Officer for the Commanding General of NORAD.<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref>
After the [[Korean War]], Harvey served in multiple roles including a test pilot, flight commander, and Battle Staff Training Officer for the Commanding General of NORAD.<ref> Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/ </ref>

Revision as of 17:51, 28 June 2021

James H. Harvey III(July 13, 1923 – ) is a retired U.S. Army Air Force officer and an African-American fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron (the famed Tuskegee Airmen or "Red Tails").[1] Harvey became the first African American jet fighter pilot to engage in combat during the Korean War.[2]

In May 1949, Harvey and a team of 332nd Fighter Group pilots won the U.S. Air Force's inaugural Air Force-wide "Top Gun" competition held at the Las Vegas Air Force Base (now Nellis Air Force Base.[3][4] Representing the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Squadron, Harvey won with a team comprising 100th Squadron's First Lieutenant Harry Stewart, Jr., the 300th Squadron's Captain Alva Temple, 99th Squadron's First Lieutenant Halbert Alexander (who served as an alternate pilot), and Buford Johnson as ground crew leader. U.S. Air Force brass buried the results of the 1949 Top Gun results for many years until the Airforce updated its archives in 1995.[5] Flying F-47Ns, a variant of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt variants, Harvey and his team won against other Air Force teams flying far more advanced aircraft.[6]

James H. Harvey III'
Born
James H. Harvey III'

July 13, 1923
Montclair, New Jersey, US
Alma materLangston University
Occupations
  • Military officer
  • fighter pilot
Years active1943-1965

Early Life, Education

Harvey was born in Montclair, New Jersey on July 13, 1923. He was the son of . In 1936, Harvey and his family relocated to from Montclair to Nuangola Station, Pennsylvania where they lived fairly isolated as the only African-American family in Nuangola Station and the surrounding area. An excellent school, Harvey attended XXXXX High School, where he became President of his senior class as well as class valedictorian.[7]

World War II Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen

In April 1943, Harvey was drafted into the U.S. Army. Harvey was initially assigned to the US Army Air Corps as an engineer. After applying for pilot cadet training, Harvey took the Cadet Training Exam at Bolling Field, and was admitted to the Tuskegee Flight School. On October 16, 1944, Harvey graduated from the Tuskegee Flight Program Army Air as a member of Class 44-4, receiving both his wings and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. In April 1945, Harvey completed combat training in Walterboro, South Carolina at Walterboro Army Air Field where over 500 Tuskegee Airmen trained as replacement pilots for the 332nd Fighter Group and the entire 447th Bombardment Group until the base closed in October 1945.[8][9]

The Army Airforce assigned Harvey to 99th Fighter Squadron in Godman Field, Kentucky. Harvey did not engage in combat in [[World War II].

U.S. Air Force' Inaugural 1949 Fighter Gunnery Meet, "Top Gun Competition"

In May 1949, Harvey and a team of fellow 332nd Fighter Group pilots won the U.S. Air Force's inaugural Air Force-wide "Top Gun" competition, competing in their P-47N Thunderbolts.[10] Also known as "William Tell" and "Gunsmoke"), the competition was held at the Las Vegas Air Force Base (now Nellis Air Force Base.[11][12][13][14]

Representing the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Squadron, Harvey won with a team comprising 100th Squadron's First Lieutenant Harry Stewart, Jr., the 300th Squadron's Captain Alva Temple, 99th Squadron's First Lieutenant Halbert Alexander (who served as an alternate pilot), and then-Staff Sergeant Buford Johnson as aircraft crew chief.[15]

The competition comprised six events: aerial gunnery at 20,000 feet, aerial gunnery at 12,000 feet, dive bombing, skip bombing, rocketing firing, and panel strafing.[16] His team lead from start to finish.

U.S. Air Force brass buried the 1949 results and the silver winning trophy for many years until the Airforce updated its archives in 1995.[17] Flying F-47Ns, Harvey and his team won against other Air Force teams flying far more advanced aircraft.[18] Harvey remarked:

"They knew who won, but did not want to recognize us."[19]

Korean War, Later Career, Retirement

Harvey became the first African American jet fighter pilot to engage in combat during the Korean War. Harvey was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and several other Air Medals leading four F-80s amidst bad weather conditions during a bomber support mission October 16, 1950 near Yongsan, Korea, inflicting heavy damage on an enemy encampment.[20] Harvey flew 140 missions in Korea.[21]

After the Korean War, Harvey served in multiple roles including a test pilot, flight commander, and Battle Staff Training Officer for the Commanding General of NORAD.[22]

On March 31, 1965, Harvey retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, with a combined 22 years in the Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force. He resides in Denver, Colorado.[23]

Awards

Became a Command Pilot with a Green Card Instrument Rating. Flew the F-80 Shooting Star in Korea on 126 missions.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters
  • Distinguished Unit Citation with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • American Campaign Medal
  • World War II Victory Medal
  • Army Occupation Medal (Japan)
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
  • Air Force Longevity Service Award ribbon with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
  • Air Force Reserve Medal
  • Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
  • United Nations Service Medal

Aircraft Flown


References

  1. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  2. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  3. ^ The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. "Wall of Honor Level: Air and Space Friend/Dedicated Panel: Tuskegee Airmen - Mr. James H. Harvey, III." https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/james-h-harvey-iii
  4. ^ Youtube. American Veterans Center. "Tuskegee Top Gun' James Harvey, the First African American Jet Combat Pilot." Interview with James H. Harvey III. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqA1ihi_0MU
  5. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  6. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  7. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  8. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  9. ^ Mapquest. Walterboro - Description (History). https://www.mapquest.com/us/south-carolina/walterboro-sc-282032128
  10. ^ "Tuskegee's Top Gun." http://www.tuskegeetopgun.com/
  11. ^ The American Veterans Center. "Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III." https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/2020/05/tuskegee-airman-james-harvey-the-militarys-first-top-gun/
  12. ^ The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. "Wall of Honor Level: Air and Space Friend/Dedicated Panel: Tuskegee Airmen - Mr. James H. Harvey, III." https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/james-h-harvey-iii
  13. ^ Youtube. American Veterans Center. "Tuskegee Top Gun' James Harvey, the First African American Jet Combat Pilot." Interview with James H. Harvey III. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqA1ihi_0MU
  14. ^ "Tuskegee's Top Gun." http://www.tuskegeetopgun.com/
  15. ^ "Tuskegee's Top Gun." http://www.tuskegeetopgun.com/
  16. ^ Youtube. American Veterans Center. "Tuskegee Top Gun' James Harvey, the First African American Jet Combat Pilot." Interview with James H. Harvey III. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqA1ihi_0MU
  17. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  18. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  19. ^ The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. "Wall of Honor Level: Air and Space Friend/Dedicated Panel: Tuskegee Airmen - Mr. James H. Harvey, III." https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/james-h-harvey-iii
  20. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  21. ^ The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. "Wall of Honor Level: Air and Space Friend/Dedicated Panel: Tuskegee Airmen - Mr. James H. Harvey, III." https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/james-h-harvey-iii
  22. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
  23. ^ Cafe Rise Above. "James H. Harvey III'". https://cafriseabove.org/james-h-harvey-iii/
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