Larry Greenly - Eugene Bullard: World's First Black Fighter Pilot

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Eugene Bullard: World's First Black Fighter Pilot
by Larry Greenly

Print: Barnes and Noble Amazon
eBook: Barnes and Noble Amazon

Pioneering black aviator Eugene Bullard, descended from slaves, became the world's first black fighter pilot, though he was barred from serving the United States because of the color of his skin.

Growing up in Georgia, Bullard faced discrimination and the threat of lynching, but he had listened spellbound to his father's stories about how France treated everyone equally. He ran away from home at twelve, worked as a profesional boxer at seventeen, and eventually made his way to France, where he joined the French Foreign Legion and later the Lafayette Flying Corps. He saw fierce combat during World War I and was wounded multiple times.

In World War II, Bullard became a member of the French Underground. After the war, he returned to the United States with a chest full of medals, but once again faced discrimination. Bullard was all but ignored in the United States, even as, at age sixty-four in 1959, he was made a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. The next year, General Charles de Gaulle personally invited Bullard to a ceremony in New York where he was embraced by the general himself.

Eugene Bullard's is a remarkable story of accomplishment despite racial prejudice. Author Larry Greenly's biography includes numerous historical photographs of Bullard throughout his travels.

PRAISE FOR EUGENE BULLARD: WORLD'S FIRST BLACK FIGHTER PILOT

David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of First Blood and The Brotherhood of the Rose

"The first black fighter pilot wasn't even allowed to fly for his own country -- the United States. Undeterred, Eugene Bullard rose to fame by shooting down German planes as part of France's elite Lafayette Flying Corps during WWI. Larry Greenly has penned a compelling biography, Eugene Bullard: World's First Black Fighter Pilot, that will help rescue Bullard from undeserved obscurity. Through extensive research, including Bullard's own memoirs, Greenly relates the extraordinary tale of Bullard's courage and perseverance in the face of unending prejudice and bigotry. This is a remarkable book about a remarkable man."

Dave DeWitt, author of Founding Foodies, and Avenging Victorio

"Young adults -- and especially the boys -- will love this action-packed story of African-American accomplishment. Greenly has done a great job in capturing both the spirit of Eugene Bullard and the times he lived in."

Shirley Raye Redmond, author of Pigeon Hero (Simon & Schuster), winner of the Oppenheim Gold Book

"Greenly's fast-paced narrative about a long-forgotten black fighter pilot is a must-read for American history buffs."

Judith Schiess Avila, co-author of Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

"Eugene Bullard: World's First Black Fighter Pilot provides a gripping and fascinating look at the life story of the world's first black fighter pilot. Born a citizen of the United States, Eugene Bullard worked his way to France as a teenager. Eugene became a flying ace for the French during WWI and fought again in WWII. He won the Legion of Honor medal from France in 1959. I hope this fine, meticulously researched biography thrusts his accomplishments into the limelight they deserve here in the United States."

Betsy James, author of Listening at the Gate, Tiptree Award Honor Book and New York Public Library Best Book for the Teen Age

"Every so often a diligent biographer finds an undiscovered gem and holds it to the light. Larry Greenly offers us the overlooked life of Eugene Bullard, Georgia boy and son of a slave, who as a WWI fighter pilot earned fifteen medals including the Croix de Guerre -- yet who, on his return to the United States, became again the victim of prejudice, excluded and forgotten. Greenly restores to us an unknown, unsung, and shamefully neglected American hero."

Johnny D. Boggs, Spur Award-winning author of Legacy of a Lawman and Lonely Trumpet

"Chances are, you've never heard of Eugene Jacques Bullard. But you should. So thanks to Larry W. Greenly for bringing this hero of the French Foreign Legion and the Lafayette Flying Corps, who fought Germans and racism, to vivid life. From takeoff to landing, Eugene Bullard: World's First Black Fighter Pilot is full of adventure, triumphs and tragedies. Above all, it's a human story sure to appeal to readers young and old."

Vicky Smith, Kirkus Reivews

"Eugene Bullard had many fascinating adventures that will engage readers. A worthwhile introduction to a decorated hero of two world wars who overcame obstacles in difficult times."

American Aviators of World War I

"A great read . . . a real page turner."

Booklist Starred Review

"Using Bullard's memoirs and other sparse information about him, Greenly crafts a moving, novelistic biography that portrays Bullard's undying fortitude throughout his life. Meanwhile, the black- and-white photos, of everything from a teenage Bullard boxing to wartime aircrafts, add plenty of historical flavor."

Voices of Youth Advocates

"The beginning of this biography is a whirlwind of information that might, at first, deter readers; however, the narrative style allows teens to connect with Bullard, especially in his vividly described wartime experiences. Students will not only learn about Bullard but will also get a firsthand account of being a soldier in the Great War and a member of the French Resistance. Many primary-source photographs of Bullard and various types of planes are included. This will make a great addition to any library's biography section, especially as Bullard's amazing story will not be found elsewhere."

Don Noble, Tuscaloosa News

"The story of Eugene Bullard could not be any more fantastic if it were made up entirely and sold as a novel. . . Eugene Bullard is a young adult book, clearly written and researched. One is strongly tempted to read more about this extraordinary fellow."

Roger-Wilco

"Larry Greenly brings us the story of this hardy young man in a fast paced but thoroughly enjoyable narrative which is easily understandable even for someone who has never dwelt deeper in the strange world that was Bullard's reality. You are transported right to where the action is and the characters talk and feel and live their lives in front of you eyes. Thoroughly recommended."