(CNN) When Charles McGee first dreamt of flying above the clouds nearly a century ago, the US military wouldn't even allow Black Americans to do so. McGee, who was 102 when he died in his sleep on January 16, successfully completed 409 air combat missions across three wars -- World War II, Korea and Vietnam -- serving a total of 30 years of active service while overcoming the racial barriers of his day. But he is best known for being a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black aviators in the US service corps and whose heroism has become legendary in US military history. At a graveside service Friday, family and friends solemnly stood shoulder to shoulder in sweltering heat. Some held black umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun, lowering them at the request of those behind them who wished to catch a glimpse of the military honors bestowed on a man they adored.

Source: CNN June 18, 2022 00:16 UTC