Meeting the REAL “Top Gun”

Guardians and Airmen at Los Angeles Air Force Base had a unique opportunity to meet a true legend. Colonel (ret.) James Harvey III, Tuskegee Airman and one of the original winners of the United States Air Force's "Top Gun" competition in 1949 paid us a special visit today (with some help from Omar Villarreal's amazing Space Systems Command Public Affairs office and Master Sergeant Regina Smoke from your favorite United States Space Force Entertainment Liaison Office!)

We watched an interview of Harvey recounting his experiences, then he shared wisdom with the audience during an emotional Q & A session.

His story is remarkable by itself. But the fact that this legend is 100 years old and still willing and able to travel to share it with others is inspiring!

Afterward, he and his family stopped by our office. I jumped at the chance to have him sign a Red Tail model I keep at my desk. Col Harvey was kind in doing so, but not before giving me a playful scolding because I asked him to sign a P-51 model versus the P-47 he was so fond of.

When asked what advice he has to share with military leaders today, his reply was short and simple:

"Do your best ... You'll be all right."