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

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

Key Takeaways:

Jesse L. Brown overcame significant racial barriers to become the U.S. Navy's first African American fighter pilot, pursuing his dream despite humble beginnings and strict military regulations.
During a critical Korean War mission, Brown's plane was shot down behind enemy lines, prompting his wingman, Lt. Thomas Hudner Jr., to heroically crash-land his own aircraft in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to rescue Brown from the wreckage.
Brown tragically died at 24 and was posthumously awarded multiple honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and having a Navy frigate named after him, while Hudner received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary loyalty and courage.

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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.