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