Capt. Harvey R Alexander

Harvey Reginald Alexander was a pioneering African American military aviator, one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, who served with distinction during World War II and helped break barriers in U.S. military aviation. Born in Illinois as the second of nine children, he graduated as salutatorian of his high school in 1939. Alexander joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, first serving with the 369th Infantry Division before transferring to aviation training. He trained under Daniel “Chappie” James and graduated from Tuskegee Army Air Field with Class 44-D in 1944, earning his wings and commission as a Second Lieutenant. He was promoted to First Lieutenant later that year and retired as a Captain from the Air Force Reserve in 1960.
Alexander earned degrees from Southern Illinois University (BS, 1947) and Duquesne University (MS, 1950), with further study at NYU. His career included teaching accounting and serving as Chief Business Financial Officer at several colleges and universities. He also operated a food vending company until retiring in 1986.

Active in professional and community organizations, Alexander was a member of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., the North Carolina Aviation Museum, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He was a dedicated church member and leader.

He died in Greensboro in 2013 at the age of 92. He was buried with full military honors at Guilford Memorial Park.

Harvey’s legacy is part of the broader narrative of the Tuskegee Airmen, who collectively earned distinction for their bravery, skill, and perseverance in the face of racial discrimination. Their successes contributed to the eventual desegregation of the Armed Forces, and their example inspired later generations of African American aviators and civil rights leaders.

Some of his memorabilia are displayed at the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro.