Time is a thief. It’s a cliché because it’s true. When we talk about the legendary Red Tails, those pilots and ground crews who shattered racial barriers in the 1940s, we aren’t just talking about history books anymore. We’re talking about a vanishing window of living memory.
So, let's get right to the question you probably came here for: How many Tuskegee Airmen are still alive? As of January 2026, the number of "Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen" (DOTAs) is incredibly small—likely fewer than eight to ten across the entire United States. If you are looking specifically for the combat pilots who flew those iconic P-51 Mustangs over Europe, that number is even more staggering. With the passing of Lieutenant Colonel George E. Hardy in September 2025, there are virtually no remaining combat pilots who saw action in the European Theater of World War II.
Honestly, the numbers shift almost monthly now. These heroes are all centenarians. They are 100, 101, 102 years old. Every time we lose one, a library of firsthand experience burns down.
Understanding the "DOTA" Count
People often get confused about who "counts" as a Tuskegee Airman. Most folks picture a pilot in a leather flight jacket. But the "Tuskegee Experience" was huge. It wasn't just the 922 pilots who earned their wings at Tuskegee Army Air Field. It was the mechanics, the nurses, the cooks, the parachute riggers, and the administrative staff.
Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (TAI) defines a DOTA as anyone—man or woman, Black or white—who served at the Tuskegee Army Air Field or in any of the programs stemming from it between 1941 and 1949.
✨ Don't miss: Texas Flash Floods: What Really Happens When a Summer Camp Underwater Becomes the Story
Who is still with us?
While we don't have a live "ticker" for every single support staff member, a few names remain prominent in the public eye.
- Brigadier General Enoch "Woody" Woodhouse: A true legend. He just celebrated his 99th birthday in January 2026 in Quincy, Massachusetts. Woody wasn't a pilot; he was a finance officer, but his impact on the legacy is massive. He’s still sharp as a tack, often appearing at events to remind people that the struggle for integration wasn't just about flying planes—it was about the right to serve with dignity.
- Colonel James H. Harvey III: As of mid-2025, Colonel Harvey was still active at 101 years old. He’s a significant figure because he was one of the first Black jet fighter pilots and a winner of the "Top Gun" gunnery meet in 1949. He’s been vocal lately about preserving the history of the unit, especially as educational curricula change.
Why the numbers are so hard to track
You’d think there would be a perfect list, right? It’s actually kinda messy. Back in the 40s, record-keeping for Black service members wasn't always a priority for the War Department. Some men served and just went home, never joining veterans' groups or identifying themselves as "Tuskegee Airmen" until decades later when the group finally got the recognition it deserved.
A few years ago, there were maybe 15 or 16 pilots left. Then the "Lonely Eagles" calls (the name given to the passing of an airman) started coming more frequently.
- Brigadier General Charles McGee passed in 2022 at 102.
- Colonel Harold Brown passed in early 2023.
- Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart Jr., who famously downed three German planes in one day, passed away in early 2025 at age 100.
Basically, we are at the end of an era. The "Documented Original" status is a protected title, but the roster is thinning to a handful of names.
🔗 Read more: Teamsters Union Jimmy Hoffa: What Most People Get Wrong
The "Invisible" Airmen
It’s worth noting that "airmen" included women. People like Willie Rogers, who passed away a while back, was often cited as one of the last, but she was ground crew. There were Black women working as nurses and clerks who were technically Tuskegee Airmen too. In 2026, finding a living female DOTA is like finding a needle in a haystack, though a few may still be living privately with their families, away from the spotlight.
Why this number matters right now
If you’re looking this up, you probably care about the legacy. But there’s a practical side to this. These men and women are the last link to a version of America that officially believed Black people couldn't fly or lead. They proved the government wrong.
When the last pilot or the last mechanic passes—which will almost certainly happen before this decade is out—we lose the ability to ask, "What did it feel like when you first saw the Red Tail on your plane?" or "How did you handle the civilian guards at the gate who wouldn't salute you?"
How to support the legacy today
Since there are so few of them left, the focus has shifted from meeting them to honoring them. If you want to actually do something with this information, here are the moves:
💡 You might also like: Statesville NC Record and Landmark Obituaries: Finding What You Need
- Support the Museums: The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum in Detroit and the National Historic Site in Alabama are the primary keepers of the flame. They need funding to digitize the interviews they did when hundreds were still alive.
- Verify the Stories: If you know a veteran who claims to be an original airman, check with Tuskegee Airmen Inc.. They have a dedicated committee that verifies service records to ensure the "DOTA" title remains prestigious.
- Check Local Chapters: Many cities still have "Tuskegee Airmen" chapters. While the original members are mostly gone, their children (the "Heritage" members) are the ones running the scholarship programs now.
Don't wait for a centennial birthday to read about these folks. The numbers tell us one thing: the time for "thank you" is almost over. The time for "I remember" has begun.
Keep an eye on the news for "Lonely Eagles" ceremonies. These are usually the only times the official count gets updated with 100% accuracy. For now, cherish the few like Woody Woodhouse who are still here to tell the story.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to dive deeper, look up the "Lonely Eagles" registry on the TAI website. It’s a somber but fascinating list of every documented member who has passed. Also, if you’re ever in Detroit, the museum there houses some of the original aircraft that these men kept in the air against all odds.