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WHEREAS, we are honored to have Lt. Colonel James Henry Harvey III, retired to serve as the Grand Marshall of the 2024 Pittsburgh Juneteenth Parade; and,
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WHEREAS, James Henry Harvey III, one of the few remaining Tuskegee Airmen, was born July 13, 1923. Harvey was drafted into the United States Army in April 1943, and was initially assigned to the United States Army Air Corps as an engineer; and,
WHEREAS, 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 second lieutenant flying officer. In April 1945, he completed combat training and was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron known as the Tuskegee Airmen; and,
WHEREAS, Harvey is best known as the first African American USAF jet fighter pilot to fly combat operations in the Korean War. He flew 140 missions in Korea, and was awarded several Air Medals. After the Korean War, Harvey served in multiple roles including Assistant Operations Officer, Instrument Instructor Pilot and Aircraft Test Pilot in the 94th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at George Air Force Base in California; and,
WHEREAS, Harvey retired as a lieutenant colonel on March 31, 1965. He served a combined 22 years in the United States Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force and currently resides in Denver, Colorado; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and honor Lt. Colonel Henry Harvey III, Retired and thank him for his selfless service to the United States; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare, Saturday, June 15, 2024 to be “James Henry Harvey III Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.