Eugene Bullard: World's First Black Fighter Pilot

Seeking the freedom and respect a black man born in 1895 was unable to obtain in his home state of Georgia and unencumbered by bigotry still so prevalent within his native United States, Eugene Bullard went on to become a hero during the First and Second World Wars while fighting for his adopted country France. What a truly fascinating story and an excellent read skillfully crafted by Bloomsburg, PA native and author Larry Greenly. You will rise out of the trenches and cross the barbwire into 'dead-man's land' as Eugene Bullard fights the Germans, as well as ride in the cockpit as he pilots the SPAD and Nieuport fighter biplanes of WWI during vicious dog fights with the red-painted German Fokker triplanes of the Richthofen Flying Circus. This is an absolute "must read" of a hero of the French Foreign Legion and the Lafayette Flying Corps who was posthumously commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1994. This review was written and submitted by my husband James Fisher for whom I purchased the book as a Christmas gift.

Fast, easy read about a fascinating man who overcame race discrimination in the U S. By making his way to France. He learned to speak fluent French and earned his fighter pilot wings, Excellent story. We need more stories like this!

This is a concise story about a most remarkable African American --- Eugene Bullard (1895-1961). who --- despite all the obstacles set against him at a time when overt discrimination against African Americans and other people of color was legally sanctioned and condoned in most social quarters in the U.S. --- managed to travel to Europe in 1911 in search of a better life. Three years later, with the outbreak of World War I, Bullard offered his services to the French Foreign Legion, where he fought for 2 years, distinguishing himself in battle and being seriously wounded. After he recovered, Bullard was able to transfer to the French Aéronautique Militaire, where he trained as a fighter pilot, winning his wings on May 5, 1917. Bullard's time at the Front as a combat pilot would last but a few months. Despite his commendations for valor by the French government and his proven ability as a pilot, Bullard was rejected for service in the U.S. Army Air Service when he had applied for a transfer there. (The U.S. military had no interest in having African American combat pilots.) The book goes on to outline Bullard's postwar life in Paris (where he ran a number of businesses), the intelligence work he performed for his adopted country shortly before the Second World War, and his later life back in America, where he was largely forgotten until shortly before his death when he was interviewed on a nationally popular TV show. The greatest value of "Eugene Bullard" is its inspirational value. For here was a man who defied the odds many times, and won.

I have read many WW1 aviation books (I own over 200 myself) and this book made me shake my head in wonder. Eugene Bullard was an incredible man, in so many ways, his courage, compassion, selflessness and humble nature were beyond compare with almost any hero I have ever heard of. I had read some stuff about him, mostly short stories but this book showed me what he was really like and the scope of his "even Hollywood could not dream this up" life. Highly recommended.

It was an easy, quick, very interesting read! It’s been a while since i read a book that grabs you from the beginning. If I could of read it in one sitting I would of!

Very interesting. Grandson used it for a Black History project. Everyone was in awe.

I first learned of Eugene Bullard via Air and Space Museum, I believe. Part of the Smithsonian Institution. This book is a good narrative exploration of this man's life. This man should be considered a Hero in every sense of the word. Too bad America was too blind to see what the French saw clearly. I recommend reading this book as a start to finding out more about this unsung Hero!

Riveting and engaging from prologue to end, this well written true account of the first African-American fighter pilot, Legionaire, undercover operative, professional boxer, musician, and patriot is a must read. Philip C.

good story but kind of lacking in indepth details on exploits.

Bought it in the morning, finished it in the evening. I really enjoyed this book which, in my opinion; is a well written book about a fascinating man who warrants greater recognition. And I am a better man for reading it.

Fascinating story that needs to be taught in schools around the world.