THE BLACK SWALLOW OF DEATH

Bessie Coleman was the first African American to receive a pilots license in 1921.  But the first African American aviator was Eugene Bullard. 

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Bullard, who was also part Creek Indian, learned the sting of racism at a young age. One of 10 children, he claimed to have once seen his father set upon by mob of whites and almost lynched. [1] Upon reaching his teens, young Eugene left behind a life of racial segregation and hopped a trans Atlantic steamer bound for Europe. He eventually landed in Paris where he made a living as a prizefighter.

Within weeks of Germany’s 1914 invasion of France, Bullard enlisted. Like other non-native volunteers, he was assigned to a French Foreign Legion regiment where he served with distinction as a machine gunner in action at Picardy, Artois and Champagne. 

During 1915, his 23,000-man unit was decimated, suffering more than 50 percent casualties. [2] Still standing, Eugene was transferred to the celebrated 170th Infantry Regiment and sent into battle at Verdun. Wounded in the opening weeks of the epic 10-month clash, Bullard was pulled from the line to recuperate.

In October of 1916, Bullard signed on with the French air service and began flight training. By the following year he was piloting Spads and Nieuports with the 93rd Escadrille against German warplanes over the Verdun sector. A capable aviator, Eugene quickly earned the nickname the “Black Swallow of Death” (an homage to his former regiment, the 170thknown as Les Hirondelles de la Mort). Heralded as one of the only black pilots of the war (and a decorated one at that), he enjoyed notoriety in the French press.

Following America’s entry to the war, Bullard applied for a transfer to the nascent U.S. Army flying corps that was assembling in France. Despite his considerable combat experience, the American military rejected him because of his race. Eugene continued to fly with the French air service, but was eventually returned to the infantry after striking a superior officer while on leave. He served out the war in the rear echelon with his old unit, the 170

Source: http://militaryhistorynow.com/2014/02/18/the-black-swallow-of-death-african-american-pilot-fought-both-racism-and-the-germans-in-ww1/

In 1939 (WWII) Bullard offered his services to France again.

Before, during, after, and between the World Wars,  Bullard was a jazz club owner (France), boxer (Scotland), perfume salesman (U.S.), night watchman, (U.S.), Civil Rights Activist (U.S.?) elevator operator(U.S.)

While in U.S. Bullard was attacked by a white mob while waiting to see a Paul Robeson concert, There's footage of him being beaten by white police officers.

Bullard flew back to France so that they could honor his contributions to the war effort in 1954. When he flew back for the ceremony he was given a heroes welcome; He lit the flame associated the the tomb of the unknown soldier . In 1959 France made Bullard a Chevalier, in the Legion d'honneur.  

Back in the United States, penniless and working as an elevator operator Bullard would eventually die of stomach cancer in 1961. He was buried in the French War Veterans Section of a cemetery in Flushing, NY

Bullard's story wouldn't be acknowledged in the U.S. until more than 10 years after his death via a biography called THE BLACK SWALLOW OF DEATH written 1972. 

The USAF would posthumously recognize Bullard contributions by granting him an honorary commission of second Lieutenant. 


Read More:
http://militaryhistorynow.com/2014/02/18/the-black-swallow-of-death-african-american-pilot-fought-both-racism-and-the-germans-in-ww1/

http://mikethehistoryguy.blogspot.com/2013/02/and-most-awesomest-nickname-ever-goes-to.html

http://www.ortheal.com/eugene-bullard-tv-documentary/