Charles McGee's Aircraft Missions

Colonel Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman, flew 409 combat missions across three wars. The Mustang aircraft he piloted had a design flaw: a scoop-shaped radiator vulnerable to gunfire. On his 40th mission in 1951, McGee's plane was hit, damaging the left wing. Despite the damage, he managed to return safely, reflecting on his luck and the potential danger of the radiator's vulnerability.

Who was Colonel Charles McGee?

• A tank commander

• A naval officer

• One of the Tuskegee Airmen

• A famous World War I pilot

How many combat missions did Charles McGee fly?

• 300

• 500

• 409

• 200

What was a major vulnerability of the Mustang aircraft?

• Its heavy weight

• Its scoop-shaped radiator

• Its short range

• Its slow speed

Why was the Mustang's radiator considered an Achilles heel?

• It made the plane too fast

• It was prone to overheating

• It was susceptible to gunfire

• It reduced maneuverability

What was the target of Charles McGee's 40th mission?

• A supply convoy

• A bridge

• A radar installation

• An enemy base

What challenge did McGee face during his 40th mission?

• Running out of fuel

• Engine failure

• A hit to the left wing

• Loss of communication

What was McGee's immediate reaction after being hit?

• Continue the mission

• Eject from the plane

• Get out of the line of fire

• Call for backup

What was the condition of McGee's aircraft upon returning?

• Completely intact

• Minor scratches

• Irreparably shredded left wing

• Engine failure

What could have been a more critical hit to McGee's aircraft?

• A hit to the landing gear

• A hit to the cockpit

• A hit to the coolant

• A hit to the tail

What does McGee attribute his survival to?

• Luck

• Advanced technology

• Support from other pilots

• His flying skills