The Extraordinary Life of the World’s First Black Fighter Pilot
Eugene Bullard, born on 9th October 1894, led a life that was nothing short of extraordinary. Born to a Creek Indian mother and “Big Chief Ox” as one of ten children, Bullard’s early years were marked by hardship and a relentless pursuit of his dreams. His journey from the segregated American South to becoming the world’s first Black fighter pilot in the French Airforce is a testament to his resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit.
Bullard’s early years were marred by the specter of racial violence, as he witnessed his father narrowly escape a lynching. This harrowing experience fueled his determination to seek a better life beyond the confines of racial prejudice. At the tender age of 8, he left home with the belief instilled by his father that in France, a man was judged on merit, not the color of his skin. His odyssey took him from stowing away on a ship bound for Scotland at the age of 10 to navigating a tumultuous path that included working odd jobs such as being a prizefighter and performing in a music hall. It was during these formative years that Bullard honed his resilience and resourcefulness, traits that would serve him well in the years to come.
Bullard’s life took a momentous turn when he decided to stay in France after a trip to Paris. With the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, he joined the French Foreign Legion and fought as an infantryman until 1916, displaying remarkable bravery and earning the moniker of the “Black Swallow of Death”. His valor and combat prowess led to his selection for the Lafayette Flying Corps in the French Airforce, where he etched his name in history as the world’s first Black fighter pilot on 7th May 1917. Despite his groundbreaking achievements, Bullard faced discrimination when he sought to enlist in the US Flying Corps after the country entered the war. His aspirations were thwarted by racial barriers, as black individuals were not allowed to be pilots in the US forces at that time. Undeterred, Bullard continued to serve with distinction in the French infantry before facing personal challenges that led to his departure from the frontline.
Following the war, Bullard made Paris his home and carved out a new chapter in his remarkable life. He became a celebrated nightclub owner and formed enduring friendships with luminaries such as Josephine Baker and Louis Armstrong. His marriage to a French countess and the birth of his two daughters added new dimensions to his life, but personal turmoil eventually led to the dissolution of his marriage, leaving Bullard with custody of his beloved girls.
The onset of World War 2 saw Bullard once again embroiled in conflict, as he valiantly fought in defense of Orleans against the German invasion. His bravery was tempered by personal tragedy as he sustained a debilitating injury that would plague him for the rest of his days. Fleeing to Spain and eventually returning to the USA in 1940, Bullard found himself grappling with a sense of displacement and struggled to find his footing in a country that seemed indifferent to his extraordinary exploits.
Despite facing adversity and grappling with financial hardships, Bullard’s indomitable spirit endured. A poignant chapter in his later years saw him being invited back to France in 1954 to participate in a ceremony honoring the Unknown Soldier, an event that underscored his enduring legacy. He was bestowed with the prestigious title of Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1959, a fitting tribute to his immeasurable contributions to France and the world. Tragically, Eugene Bullard passed away alone and in poverty on 12th October 1961, succumbing to stomach cancer. His indelible mark on history was honored with a burial befitting his valor, as he was laid to rest with full military honors in the French War Veterans area of a cemetery in ‘Queens’ New York.
The culmination of Bullard’s extraordinary journey came decades after his passing, when the country that once denied him the opportunity to soar because of the color of his skin posthumously commissioned him as a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF on 23rd August 1994. This belated recognition served as a poignant reminder of Bullard’s enduring legacy and the profound impact of his trailblazing achievements.
Eugene Bullard’s life is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, the enduring quest for equality and justice, and the unyielding pursuit of one’s dreams against all odds. His legacy serves as an inspiration to generations, a reminder that courage knows no boundaries and that true heroism transcends the constraints of time and prejudice.