Eugene Bullard was one of only a few Black combat pilots during World War I —and the only Black American combat pilot. Yet despite this distinction, he didn’t actually fly for the United States. He entered the French Aéronautique Militaire in November 1916 and later tried to join the U.S. Air Service when the U.S. entered the war in 1917. Despite 25 combat missions and two unconfirmed aerial victories, the United States denied his request to fly in American service. During his lifetime, the French showered Bullard with honors. He was made a knight of the Legion of Honor, the highest ranking order and decoration bestowed by France. 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. This bronze bust by African American artist Eddie Dixon commemorates Bullard's achievements. It will be on display in our new "World War I: The Birth of Military...