Eugene Bullard, born in 1895, was a remarkable figure in aviation history, emerging as the first African American fighter pilot in World War I. He enlisted in the French Foreign Legion and later joined the Lafayette Flying Corps. Bullard flew combat missions over the Western Front, facing not only the enemy in the sky but also the prejudices of his time. After the war, he returned to the United States but struggled to find recognition for his wartime service and achievements. This lack of acknowledgment persisted for many years until his contributions were rediscovered. Nearly eight decades after his heroic service, Eugene Bullard was honored during a ceremony at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Here, he was posthumously commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, with his accomplishments in the war formally recognized by the Air Force and military leaders. The ceremony included speeches that highlighted Bullard's determination, bravery, and the barriers he overcame as an African American in a segregated military. It also reflected on his flight career and the significance of his service during a tumultuous period in both American and world history.