Eugene Bullard: World's First Black Fighter Pilot

by Larry Greenly

This fast-paced and informative young adult biography tells the story of pioneering black aviator Eugene Bullard from his birth in 1895 to his combat experiences in both World War I and II and, finally, his return to America. Before the United States joined World War I, a few Americans fought on France's side, including Eugene Jacques Bullard, the grandson of a slave. Bullard had faced discrimination in the U.S. and even the threat of lynching, but while growing up, he had listened spellbound to his father's stories about how in France everyone was treated equally. He ran away from home at 12 and eventually made his way to France, where he joined the French Foreign Legion and later the Lafayette Flying Corps, to become the world's first black fighter pilot. All the medals he received, however, weren't enough to fend off the prejudice he still faced when he returned to the United States.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, African American

147 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sugarpuss O'Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

**2.5 Stars**

After reading Charles Glass's AMERICANS IN PARIS, I wanted to learn more about Eugene Bullard. This was the only book I could find. I didn't realize this was a YA book, so that's on me. Unfortunately, classifying this as a YA book is a stretch. This book is a bare-bones biography written for someone in the 4th to 8th grade, tops. And while I did learn more about Eugene Bullard, I am left wanting so much more. If only someone would write a riveting biography worthy of the man Eugene Bullard was.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that I recently bought All Blood Runs Red by Phil Keith and Tom Clavin, a more detailed version of this biography. This story is yet more "below the line" history that many of us were not taught in school. That there were and are heroes among us never acknowledged or celebrated because of our deeply ingrained institutional racism is shameful and maddening. I highly recommend this stories to reluctant readers and to anyone who wants a window into the life of a true American hero.

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eugene Bullard sounds like a very interesting and impressive man. I enjoyed reading about him, but got very frustrated by the prejudice that held him back. I’ve definitely added him to my list of Famous People I Would Like To Go To Dinner With.
FYI. You can see his medals at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

[Donna Scoggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eugene Bullard is a little-known decorated pilot and military figure that should be part of every American's history! He did so much for France and the United States during a period when he was treated poorly by his country.

[William C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome story almost to good to believe. Hopefully they make a movie that does Mr. Bullard justice.

[Silena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Eugene Bullard, the first African American fighter pilot, who triumphed over racism and became a WW1 pilot.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book about a man I had never heard of until I happened to see a Facebook post about him. Eugene Bullard left his hometown in Georgia determined to go to France in order to leave the discrimination of America behind.
He ran away from home at the age of twelve, worked as a professional boxer and eventually made his way to France. He joined the French Foreign Legion and became a fighter pilot and engaged in fierce combat during WW I.
He faced discrimination from Americans during WW II, after they entered the war, because they did not want a black pilot among them.
Even after he returned to America with a chest full of medals; he faced discrimination and was ignored until General Charles de Gaulle invited him to a ceremony in New York where he was embraced by the general himself. It was not until September 14, 1994, that the United States Air Force posthumously commissioned Eugene Jaques Bullard as a second lieutenant.

[Artie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've gotten over my bias against non-fiction targeted at teens. Some of it is well-written and very informative. Bullard had a truly interesting life, a script of it would be rejected for being too implausible: Rambo, Top Gun, jazz musician, all the same remarkable man.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great biography. A little disjointed in parts but otherwise easy to follow. An inspiring story great for middle schoolers.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could have been three times longer and not given the detail Eugene Bullard's life deserved. Great narrative nonfiction for kids. My students will love this one.

[Christopher Obert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eugene was a very interesting person that lived an exciting and painful life. Everyone should know his story.

[Ann]

Top Ten Multicultural Books for Youth 2015 (Booklist)

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

When Eugene Bullard's father told him there was no racism in France, a very young Eugene became determined to be where all people were treated with respect - France.

In his biography on Eugene Bullard, the World's First Black Fighter Pilot, Larry Greenly paints our hero with tenacity and an unyielding desire to live in a world of equality. In his quest for France, the young run-away found not all white people were mean, and not all black people were his friend. He finally found the respect he earned and desired for so long in the fighting ring, on the music scene, and over the field of battle.

Eugene Bullard led a fantastic life. Fighting against the Germans in WWI with the French Foreign Legion, Bullard excelled in every endeavor. But, he came home to find a handful of Americans remained deeply embedded in the racism trench, never to accept him for his accolades over his skin color.

Larry Greenly's biography intrigued, enlightened, and saddened me. To live and fight for a country during a time of intense war, only to be treated less than human, yet remain true to your dreams of tolerance and love is truly a feat for only the bravest among us. Eugene's perseverance and drive should encourage us all to seek the good in everyone. Mr. Greenly reminds us of the true American hero who was Eugene Bullard, the World's First Black Fighter Pilot.

Reviewed by: Sandra Miller Linhart