Eugene Bullard: Fighter Pilot. Boxer. Jazz Musician. Spy. Most Interesting Man in the World.

Eugene Bullard, the most interesting man you've never heard of was the first African-American combat pilot and adventurer. He became a decorated veteran, though he wasn't awarded until years after the war. You should know about this man.

But Bullard was not only a pilot; he was a professional boxer, a WWI flying ace, a jazz musician, and French spy during WWII. Bullard was born in Georgia, but fled from the U.S. when he witnessed his father nearly lynched.

He ran away to Scotland and at the outbreak of WWI joined the French Foreign Legion, where he fought with distinction until he was invited to join France’s regular armed forces. Soon after, he was wounded and sent back into France, where he joined the French Air Force, where he was the only African-American combat pilot. During this time, Bullard flew against the legendary WWI pilot, “the Red Baron.”

When the U.S. re-enlisted all Americans serving in France, Bullard was discharged simply because he was black. He chose to reside in Paris, where he became a drummer at a jazz club and it’s eventual owner.

After working there for several years, he picked up German on account of all the Germans who dined there. The French Government soon recruited Bullard as a spy for them in 1939. Bullard’s life is an incredible story that has been hidden among the many volumes of human history.

Wings of Courage is coming to Raue Center's stage as part of Mission Imagination. It is an original play with music by Mad River Theater Works based on the life of Eugene Bullard. Bullard's story would be unbelievable if it weren't all true.

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