Eugene Bullard: A stranger in his own land

  • Published
  • By 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Each February, we stop to recognize the contributions of African Americans to our military and to our society as a whole. However, these contributions are more than a one-time historical event that we reflect upon. Rather, these courageous Airmen laid the foundation for the military and society we have today. 

Justifiably, stories of the Tuskegee Airman's 99th Fighter Squadron and 332nd Fighter Group fill history books. Their heroism in North Africa and Italy resulted in the downing of more than 250 enemy aircraft. 

However, more than 25 years before the "Red Tails" flew in combat, a single African-American journeyed to France to become the only black fighter pilot of World War I. 

The grandson of a slave and son of a Creek Indian woman, Eugene Bullard refused from an early age to be defined by the color of his skin and overcame the limitations placed on him by early 20th century society. 

After witnessing the lynching of his uncle, and the near-lynching of his father, Bullard decided at age 10 to leave for France, where his father told him "man was judged by his merit, not the color of his skin." 

On his journey, Bullard lived in Scotland and then Liverpool, England. While in Liverpool, he gained notoriety as a prize welterweight fighter. However, on the outbreak of World War I, Bullard departed for France to aid the country he had long dreamed about. 

Serving in the French Foreign Legion, Bullard was wounded four times in combat, twice during the Battle of Verdun, receiving the French Croix de Guerre for heroism. 

Additionally, Bullard received the French Legion d'Honneur, equivalent to the U.S. Medal of Honor. 

While on convalescent break from combat, Bullard volunteered for service in the French air force. On May 17, 1917, he completed pilot training, becoming the world's first black pilot and fighter pilot. 

Not long after, Corporal Bullard, assigned to the Lafayette Escadrille, demonstrated his combat prowess in the air, downing two German aircraft in 20 combat missions. 

Unfortunately, his aviation career was dramatically cut short in 1918 after an altercation with an American pilot. Corporal Bullard was grounded, unable to avoid racism, even in his beloved France. 

A description of Corporal Bullard in 1920 stated, "His black tunic, excellently cut and set off by a fine figure, was decorated with a pilot's badge, a Croix de Guerre, the fourragere of the Foreign Legion, and a pair of enormous wings, which left no possible doubt, even at a distance of 50 feet, as to which arm of service he adored. There was scarcely an American at Avord who did not know and like Bullard. He was a brave, loyal, and thoroughly likable fellow..." 

Corporal Bullard remained in France after World War I. He joined the French underground and resistance when Nazi Germany invaded France in June 1940. At the Battle of Orleans, Corporal Bullard was injured. In efforts to prevent a member of the resistance from capture, French partisans smuggled him to Spain where he was medically evacuated to the United States. 

Eugene Bullard lived the remainder of his life in New York City. Although he never received his due recognition from the United States, he remained a hero in France. In 1954, he lit the Eternal Flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, under the Arch de Triomphe in Paris. Six years later, in a visit to New York City, French President Charles de Gaulle openly embraced and recognized him as a "true French hero." 

On October 12, 1961, Corporal Bullard died from complications of injuries he suffered in two world wars. After receiving 16 French medals and honors in his life, he was laid to rest by the Federation of French War Officers at Flushing Cemetery in New York. 

Today, Corporal Bullard's name is still rarely mentioned in American aviation history books, and he only recently has been officially recognized for his heroic contributions. 

Editor's Note: Portions of this story were taken from the 49th Fighter Wing History office and will be part of a series in recognition of African American/Black History Month.