A Brief History
On August 23, 1994, an extraordinary American warrior was posthumously commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Eugene Bullard, born in Columbus, Georgia in 1895, had fought in World War I for the French Foreign Legion, and in 1917 he became the first ever African-American to be a military pilot, one of only two pilots of African origin in World War I.
Digging Deeper
While with the French ground troops, Bullard had served with distinction. He finally got his chance to fly after he had recovered from serious wounds which he had received at Verdun in 1916. For the Lafayette Flying Corps of the French Air Service, he flew first as an aerial gunner and then as a pursuit (fighter) pilot. He picked up the nickname “The Black Swallow of Death” and may have shot down 2 German planes.
Bullard became a highly decorated war hero, receiving a total of 15 military decorations from France. Incredibly, when the U.S. entered the war, Bullard attempted to join the American aviation units in France but was turned down as the U.S. only accepted Caucasian pilots.
The son of an African-American father and a Native American mother (Creek), after the war, Bullard worked as a drummer and club manager before opening his own nightclub in Paris. While in the club scene, he became friends with notable black performers such as Josephine Baker and Louis Armstrong. He was also good friends with the famous poet Langston Hughes and French flying ace Charles Nungesser.
The Nazi occupation of 1940 sent Bullard hustling back to the U.S. by way of Spain but not before he had become wounded in a battle in which he had fought once more for the French despite his age. Prior to the German invasion, Bullard, who also spoke German, had spied on the German patrons of his club for the French government.
Back in the U.S., Bullard had the misfortune of being beaten up in New York State in 1949 in a series of incidents and protests that became known as the Peekskill riots. Bullard had performed as a musician at a concert given by Paul Robeson, an African-American believed to have communist sympathies. At the concert, a mob with anti-communist, anti-Semitic and anti-black sentiments got out of control. The beating was caught on camera and can be viewed in the documentary The Tallest Tree in our Forest.
Bullard then spent his final years working as an elevator operator at Rockefeller Center and died in 1961 of stomach cancer. In 1954 he had been invited back to France to re-light the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and in 1959 France made him a knight of the Legion of Honor.
Hardly paid any attention to in the U.S. during his life, after his death he was the subject of a biography, The Black Swallow of Death (1972), and is depicted in the 2006 film Flyboys. Like many African-American and Native American men and women, his extraordinary life deserves more consideration in American history.
Question for students (and subscribers): Who is your favorite African-American pilot? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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For another interesting event that happened on August 23, please see the History and Headlines article: “The Top 10 Bloodiest Battles of World War II.”
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Greenly, Larry. Eugene Bullard: World’s First Black Fighter Pilot. NewSouth Books, 2013.
Harris, Henry Scott. All Blood Runs Red: Life and Legends of Eugene Jacques Bullard – First Black American Military Aviator. eBookIt.com, 2013.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="4104 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=4104">94 Comments
Eugene Bullard was an accomplished pilot.
After so many injuries and such he still has his dream of flying and he suck to it. Very inspiring man.
It shocks me that there were only 2 African pilots in WWI.
It is so sad that this excellent pilot was granted so much recognition in France, but none in the US. Is the US the only nation that had such issues with race at this time that they wouldn’t recognize war heroes? It’s stories like these that should make us feel a bit of disgrace and want us to do better in the future.
I am glad the U.S. has changed a lot since then. the Pilot deserved more recognition i think.
Amazing how we earlier learned that in 1918, there were female marines, but there were only two African-American pilots in World War I.
I can’t believe how the U.S treated him back then, truly a great man and pilot.
I feel bad for how he was treated but I’m glad there was a book written about him.
America claims to be one of the greatest countries, but most European countries are better in the sense that they allow for more equality sooner. European countries ended slavery before we did, and they granted this man more recognition that we did. It was not fair to him.
I cant believe that Bullard was turned down by the U.S. because they only accepted Caucasian pilots.
I am disappointed that the United States denied Bullard to fly, he deserved more.
I am glad that France gave Bullard a chance to fly when the US did not and that he received recognition from them.
Such a great man with potential was wasted due to the ignorance of others. Glad to see that today everyone is given equal opportunities.
It’s so sad how he was not appreciated in the US at all. France made him a knight and the US made him an elevator operator. It’s awesome that France gave him the recognition he deserved.
I’m glad he stuck through everything and didn’t let the facts that the US didn’t appreciate him bring him down.
It is sad that the United States denied Bullard to fly.
Terrible that race is such a big factor. If someone has the ability and you do not accept them then you are at the loss.
Funny how race makes a big impact on everything. It’s great to know he kept going and did not stop.
I’m glad he pushed through all of the racial injustice.
Bullard is another pioneer for African Americans just this one you do not here much about.
I didn’t know France was the first to allow an African American military pilot. On top of that, letting two pilots in on an era of extreme racism is impressive considering the US did not allow Bullard to fly.
Discrimination in any form is sad to read about. Sad to think that even today there is still discrimination, whether it be by race, gender, or sexuality.
I have surprisingly heard of Eugene Bullard! He truly was a hero especially to the African American people. It’s a shame he was turned down by the American aviation units in France. That portrays the racism within our nation in a horrible way and whoever had the final say in turning him down should feel awful about themselves. He was a decorative war hero and that is beyond wrong to simply turn someone down solely because of their race. -ACL
Its sad and wrong to have discrimination of any form anywhere back then or even today.
It took till 1917 to allow an African American to be a pilot when he is serving his country while risking his life, wow.
What a way to break down race barriers, great story.
Eugene Bullard is quite in inspiration for not only the African American community, but any ethnicity or race! I think it’s great that after having a horrible experience in war, he recovered and had a chance to fly!
Eugene Bullard is quite an inspiration for not only the African American community, but any ethnicity or race in general! I think it is great that after having a horrible experience in war, he recovered and had a chance to fly!
Eugene is definitely a inspiration to the African Americans
It is shameful that an individual with such abilities and skill would be turned away due to his race. Did such actions show that the military held the safety of others in high regard?
I wonder what would have happened to him if the french were just as stubborn as we were back then and didn’t let him fight.
What a great story about a true hero. It is sad that America aviation only took caucasian pilots. I am glad he got to do what he loved.
It upsets me that he could not be a pilot in the American Aviation unit because of his color. He was an interesting man.
It is so unfortunate that he couldn’t have been recognized and celebrated for his skill while he was alive.
I have never heard about this before but it is a great story! I am glad that he is recognized now but it is sad that he was not recognized until after his death.
It is disappointing that the US military only accepted white pilots because of how talented he was and what he could have contributed to our Army. It is hard to believe that he would come to the US when he seemed to be thought of highly in France and was brought back to re-light the Flame of the Unknown Soldier.
It’s funny how much of history is left out of the history books. It’s saddening that this man did not get more recognition for his skills just based on his skin color.
I learned from this article that I was not taught a lot about history from other cultures in my previous history classes.
learning more about these kind of stories is something I enjoy. I am always so grateful for those who served our country, especially those who were minorities who’s country was not serving them well.
I really do not enjoy reading about racism. I think that this is very sad that Bullard had to go through all of this discrimination throughout his life. One thing that really struck out to me was that he tried to join Aviation units but was turned down for being black. This really makes me think twice about telling racial jokes.
I’m saddened that this war hero was not more recognized by the United States, it seems like we are always behind the times when it comes to acceptance of African Americans. It is still obvious today that hate is at the for front here in our Country. If we could only try a little harder to accept equality for all.
This article really saddened me. I understand that racism was an issue back then but for Bullard to not get any credit or recognition for serving our country is very sad. I am glad our country is heading in the right direction when it comes to issues like this.
All of these articles for this week seem to be similar in that some leaders and very worthy people did not get the recognition that they deserved. Bullard is one of those that did not get the recognition he deserved for fighting for the country.
Bullard was an (major key) important tool against the Germans. The club he managed along with his ability to speak German were great assets.
It is hard to fathom that in France he was this great airman, and when he wanted to help the U.S. as told no. Then when he came home to the U.S. he beaten.
Fighting against race discrimination is a hard road. With the social development, people begin to realize the serious and importance of the problem. I believe in that the problem will be fixed in the future.
I agree that many more African-Americans and Native Americans deserve more consideration in history. Although Bullard was not paid attention to while alive, I am glad he still got the recognition for what he did.
Racism was a problem back then and it still is today.
I think its sad that racism was a problem back then and that it still is.
I am glad we are recognizing him now since history clearly wanted his name erased.
It is a shame that because of racism he was never recognized as much as he should be. He truly accomplished a lot and put his life on the line continuously.
I always like to see the underdog like this gaining the recognition they deserve.
Sad to see such an awesome man having to step down to be an elevator operator.
Keagan, I agree with the underdog recognition! It is still upsetting to read about acts of racism in history.
I liked the nickname he received and that hearing he was also a musician just goes to show that people that are in wars and see so much tragedy can still live normal lives such as he did is wonderful
Great to see that an African American man had done so much for his country.
Just goes to show that it doesn’t matter what color you are, anyone can accomplish many important things.
I find it sad when people are given awards posthumously. Racism kept, and keeps so many people from living the life that they want. He accomplished a lot in his life, he definitely should a have a proper place in our countries history.
I think this is a great story about an amazing accomplishment. I think it is said that there has been so much emphasis on race because color doesn’t define you, the legacy you leave behind does and Mr. Bullard did that!
Bullard had a rough life but yet remarkable life. After given a chance to fly in the military to becoming a war hero. Then to get beat up in New York to becoming an elevator operator to then die from stomach cancer. This was an interesting story.
It is sad that such an extraordinary man is largely a byline in history books. He and many other minorities and women are simply not given their due.
I have never heard of this man and it should be known that he was the first African American to pilot. There is too many times in history people that set standards for people are over looked.
It’s articles like this that we should be reading about in school.
He overcame so much in his life and yet accomplished so much. A true hero. I wish I knew about him sooner.
Being the 1st African American military pilot is quite an accomplishment. It is sad that I have never heard this man’s story (Prior to reading this passage).
What an amazing life. When I read the title of this article the first thing I thought about was the Tuskegee airmen, another set of great African American pilots. Eugene Bullard did so much more than being a pilot. He truly did amazing things in his time. The sad thing is that he had to do it for France, whom I am glad at least gave him the recognition he deserved. I feel like America really missed out on an opportunity when they denied him for so many years.
I can’t believe I have never heard of this man or his amazing accomplishments. These are the types of things that should be focused on more.
A French spy, a pilot, and a musician? Talk about being a jack of all trades!
I have never heard of this hero before. It’s sad that when being taught history in grade school that stuff like this is not mentioned.
Glad he got the recognition he deserved. How many more heroes like him are there that have gone unnoticed?
Yes, I agree that he does deserve more attention for his honorable actions of battle than he got. Unfortunately at that time, the US only allowed white pilots to fly. He would have been a great additions to the US fleet, if allowed.
All too often you see people in history deserve more attention than what they are given. This article is one of them. It seems unfair to not give someone like this the attention that they deserve. I think that it is inspiring to others of his race and other minorities to be the first of a certain occupation.
It is sad that a person does not get what they deserve until they are dead. I wonder how many life he would have safe for U.S. military if he would have been allow to fly for us.
This man is amazing! I wish we read more articles about people like this in school.
I believe that we should show people their worth before they pass away. What good is it to recognize them once they are gone then they can’t see that their work was appreciated.
Honoring someone after their death is a generous gestor nevertheless, it is ultimately for the friends and family member since the one being honored is not with us.
It is sad that this man did not receive recognition until after his passing. Yes it is nice for the family but just think of what it would have meant to him.
Fighting for the french makes sense that he would be more recognized in France more than America. It sounds like he had a very interesting life, wearing many hats.
I’m not sure what public education is doing, but they are leaving out some really accomplished people, thats for sure!
Bullard had quite the different experiences in his life. I would have loved to sit down and talk with him. A decorated war hero, it was kind of sad to learn that the United States turned him down just because of his race.
I actually lived in Columbus, GA from 1992-2005. I’m rather surprised that I had never heard of this man and his life story until now. It’s shame his place in American history is not more widely-known about today.
Whenever I read about the heroics of African American servicemen I always have a feeling of astonishment. I can’t believe they would so bravely serve a country that treated them so poorly at
the time.
I agree that more recognition is needed for many people who fought so hard to earn it. It is a shame that I have never heard of this man when he has such great accomplishments.
Wow, to be honored after you have passed away is amazing, Nevertheless what an honor it would have been to be honored while he was still alive.
The U.S. only accepted Caucasian pilots? Outlandish that this ever was!
Wow, after all that time of equal rights, the U.S. would only take Caucasian pilots is ridiculous! The 2006 movie Flyboys was a good movie, having more historical background makes it even more interesting.
He definately needs more recognition then he got. Interesting article
This was a very interesting article! I was very surprised and ashamed that the US only accepted Caucasian pilots as well.
Proof that ability should be measured solely on ability and nothing else.
Bullard’s life in the past was swinging. He was experiencing all different kind of incident. I like how he was creative by establishing a nightclub in Paris.
Interesting article by knowing Bullard’s life was colorful. He was having different living experience than others. I like how he was acting as a war hero
This was really cool! I had no idea who this man was, but it’s amazing to read about his life and his endeavors!
I think I remember watching a movie about this before, so it seemed familiar!
Bullard’s life is incredible! I am always amazed when I consider how African-Americans were treated for so long. As a pilot, as a musician, as a knight, and as a spy, his impact on history is significant.