Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee served as a fighter pilot and member of the 332nd Fighter Squadron, famously known as the “Tuskegee Airmen,” an all-Black unit in World War II. He was a Montgomery County resident for many years.

Brig. Gen. McGee flew combat aircraft in three major wars beginning with his service during World War II. He completed 136 missions with the all-Black unit known as the Tuskegee Airman followed by combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He completed a total of 409 missions before his retirement from service in 1973.

Post retirement, he served as national president of the Tuskegee Airman Association from 1983 to 1985 and was instrumental to its growth, leading efforts to provide aviation career opportunities for people of color. He dedicated much of his time to learning and engaging with the young people of Montgomery County and served as a model to residents and Americans. Brig. Gen. passed away at his home in Bethesda in January of 2022. He was 102 years old.

This week, County Executive Marc Elrich, Council Member Will Jawando, and members of Brig. Gen. McGee’s family, among others, attended a ceremony to sign an executive order that will enable the County to rename the Silver Spring Library to the “Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library.”

Do you have a fun fact to share about your county? If so, please send it to Allison Valliant to be featured in MACo’s weekly Fun Fact on Conduit Street.