Eugene Jacques Bullard

Object Details

Physical Description

Bust of Bullard wearing aviator's cap, goggles and scarf.

Summary

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

Date

1990

Artist

Eddie Dixon

Country of Origin

United States of America

See more items in

National Air and Space Museum Collection

Credit Line

Gift of McDonnell Douglas Corporation

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Inventory Number

A19920064000

Type

ART-Sculpture

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Medium

Sculpture, Bust, Eugene Bullard, Lafayette Flying Corps

Dimensions

3-D (overall): 24.8 × 19 × 54.6cm, 14.5kg (9 3/4 in. × 7 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 9 1/2 in., 32lb.)

3-D (Base): 17.8 × 17.8cm (7 × 7 in.)

Record ID

nasm_A19920064000

Metadata Usage

Not determined

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv90d19cdab-f0eb-47a1-9d34-dc12e484c7c1