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A bronze bust by African American artist Eddie Dixon (born in 1950) commemorates Eugene Jacques Bullard (1895-1961), the first and only African American combat pilot in World War I. The stoic facial expression illustrates the courage and perseverance Bullard exuded both in the air and on the ground. A leather helmet, goggles, and layered clothing shows early flying attire worn by pilots. Flying gear like these offered limited protection in extreme weather conditions, flight altitudes, and enemy gunfire. Born in Columbus, Georgia, the realities of racial violence inspired Bullard to leave home at a young age to seek out a better life. He felt less racism in France, and Bullard subsequently flew for the French instead of the United States military. During his lifetime, Bullard was a celebrated war hero in France and received fifteen decorations by the French government. In the United States, his achievements were largely unknown or ignored. Posthumously, the U.S. Air Force recognized Bullard’s valiancy in combat with a commissioned rank of second lieutenant in 1994.

Carolyn Russo

Please see article on Eugene Bullard here: https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/eugene-j-bullard by Dominick Pisano

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

3D
Object Details
Date 1990 Country of Origin United States of America Type ART-Sculpture Medium Sculpture, Bust, Eugene Bullard, Lafayette Flying Corps Artist Eddie Dixon
Physical Description Bust of Bullard wearing aviator's cap, goggles and scarf. Dimensions 3-D (overall): 24.8 × 19 × 54.6cm, 14.5kg (9 3/4 in. × 7 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 9 1/2 in., 32lb.)
3-D (Base): 17.8 × 17.8cm (7 × 7 in.)
Inventory Number A19920064000 Credit Line Gift of McDonnell Douglas Corporation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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