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Eugene Bullard was the world's first black combat aviator, flying in French squadrons during World War I (1917-18). Before he became a pilot he served in the French infantry and was awarded the Croix de Guerre.
Eugene Bullard: First Black Combat Aviator
Seeded on Sun Jul 24, 2011 3:50 PM EDT
Article Source: New Georgia Encyclopedia
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The young Bullard attended the Twenty-eighth Street School from 1901 to 1906. Although his education was minimal, he nonetheless learned to read, one of the keys to his later successes. With his older sister and brothers, Bullard absorbed his father's conviction that African Americans must maintain dignity and self-respect in the face of the prejudice of a white majority determined to "keep blacks in their place" at the bottom of society.
Eugene Bullard ... the original African American combat pilot.
CoH please.
- 1 vote
#1 - Sun Jul 24, 2011 3:53 PM EDTExcellent article, I've heard of Mr.Bullard in a PBS special about American Blacks who fled the US and created a great life in Paris. Thanks for the seed, it's always great learning more about Black History.
- 2 votes
#2 - Sun Jul 24, 2011 4:28 PM EDTThe more I learn about Black History the more I realize how little many Americans fail to appreciate or understand the almost impossible achievements African-Americans have accomplished. But like you, I always find it rewarding to learn more. Some of Bullard's personal items are on display at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. It's ironic that Eugene Bullard and Bessie Coleman (the first Black female to receive a pilot's license) both had to go to France to learn to fly an airplane. Thanks for your comments and you're welcome regarding the seed.
- 2 votes
[The more I learn about Black History the more I realize how little many Americans fail to appreciate or understand the almost impossible achievements African-Americans have accomplished.]
How true. Regrettably many Black people do not know our history and many others do not teach our children from the moment they leave the womb. Once any American Black person learn and understand our history and place in American History they cannot do anything but be the best the can be.
- 3 votes
Great article. I read a story about Mr. Bullard some years back. Happy to see his history on NV..
- 3 votes
#3 - Sun Jul 24, 2011 6:05 PM EDTI have read about black soldiers staying in Europe after WWI and making a life for themselves there, where they were treated as human beings.
The manner in which our black soldiers were treated in this country up until recently is an abomination.
- 3 votes
#4 - Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:40 AM EDTThe manner in which our black soldiers were treated in this country up until recently is an abomination.
Tina. You are absolutely correct. Generations of my family have served in the military. My great-great uncle served in the Army and fought in WWI; his only son also served in the Army in WWII . Three of my mother's brothers fought in WWII. Two in the Navy and one in the Army. One was actually stationed aboard a minesweeper as a cook at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th, 1941. My father's only brother fought in Korean War. Some of the stories my uncles told me made live seem quite simple to those of us who served in uniform in later generations. Thanks for the unvarnished comment.
- 1 vote
[The manner in which our black soldiers were treated in this country up until recently is an abomination.]
I have relatives who served in the military also and because of their treatment I refused to serve in the military. The more I learn about the American history I was not taught, they more I am proud of my choice.
- 2 votes
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