A Booklist "Top 10 Multicultural Nonfiction for Youth" Selection Finalist for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Southwest Region Crystal Kite Award Winner of the 2016 Young Adult Silver Medal of the Military Writers Society of America 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. He ran away from home at twelve 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. 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. 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. Bullard's story has been documented through meticulous primary research and scant secondhand sources in an eminently readable book by Larry Greenly for young adults, adults, and anyone looking for an adventure story that just happens to detail a forgotten pioneer of American history. ― Mountain Times 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, World's First Black Fighter Pilot. -- Military Writers Society of America Bullard's story has been documented through meticulous primary research and scant secondhand sources in an eminently readable book by Larry Greenly for young adults, adults, and anyone looking for an adventure story that just happens to detail a forgotten pioneer of American history. 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, World's First Black Fighter Pilot. This fast-paced and informative YA 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. Eugene 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 France treated everyone equally. He ran away from home at twelve 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. LARRY GREENLY is a freelance writer and editor, and a writing instructor and lecturer. He has published numerous articles and columns; his albuquerqueARTS magazine literary section won first place in the 2009 National Federation of Press Women state competition and second place in the national competition. Eugene Bullard: World’s First Black Fighter Pilot won second prize in the international SouthWest Writers Annual Contest.