The Story of Jesse L. Brown: The Navy’s First African American Pilot

This Korean War hero broke the color barrier, paving the way for Black aviators for years to come.

Jeremy Kariuki

Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11:39 AM ET

Verified

Ensign Jesse L. Brown seated in the Vought F4U-4 Corsair — Circa 1950. [Courtesy: F-35 Joint Program Office]

Key Takeaways:

Jesse L. Brown made history as the U.S. Navy's first African American pilot in 1948, overcoming significant racial barriers and personal challenges, including repeated attempts to pass the entrance exam.
He served heroically in the Korean War, providing critical air support during the "Frozen Chosin" battle in December 1950, where his plane was shot down.
Brown tragically died from his injuries and the extreme cold after his white wingman, Thomas Hudner Jr., crash-landed nearby in a valiant but unsuccessful attempt to rescue him.
Brown was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and other honors, becoming the first African American officer to die in the Korean War, and a Navy frigate was named in his honor; Hudner received the Medal of Honor for his selfless act.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Editor’s Note: This article is part of a month-long series celebrating Black History Month through aviation: Feb. 1: African American Pioneers in Flight and Space | Feb. 4: Legacy Flying Academy | Feb. 10: Why Aren’t There More Black Pilots in the Air Force? | Feb. 11: Jesse L. Brown | Feb. 15: Meet Four African Americans Making a Difference in Aviation | Feb. 18: From “Hidden Figures” to “Artemis” | Feb. 22: CMSAF Kaleth O. Wright | Feb. 25: Cal Poly Humboldt

The Korean winter of 1950 was an especially bitter one. United Nations troops, including thousands of U.S. Marines, were advancing near the Changjin Reservoir in sub-freezing temperatures.