Flying Against All Odds: Eugene Bullard's Unstoppable Spirit

All Blood Runs Red - The Extraordinary Life of the First Black Fighter Pilot and his enduring fight for Equality

As the first African-American fighter pilot in history, Eugene Bullard’s extraordinary story of bravery and resilience drew me to Phil Keith and Tom Clavin’s All Blood Runs Red. What I found was an incredibly well-researched and captivating narrative of Bullard’s journey—from his time as an infantryman in the trenches to his unprecedented chapter as a fighter pilot in the fledgling and perilous world of aerial combat. The recounting of Bullard’s path to the skies was thorough, insightful, and exactly what I had hoped to discover. For these reasons alone, I’d recommend adding this book to your reading list. Yet, what I didn’t anticipate—and what turned out to be an added treasure—was the authors’ vibrant depiction of Bullard’s life in the context of systemic racism and the dynamic contours of Parisian society from the early 1900s to the eve of World War II, as well as his final years in the United States. Bullard’s phenomenal story of resilience and achievement is as inspiring as it is extraordinary, making for a truly compelling read.

Keith and Clavin bring extensive expertise in military and historical nonfiction to this project, and their collaboration shines through in meticulous research and balanced storytelling. Drawing from Bullard’s unpublished autobiography, the authors skillfully navigate its inconsistencies while openly acknowledging the challenges of reconstructing his life amid historical gaps and ambiguities. This transparency enhances the narrative’s credibility and adds depth to their portrayal of Bullard’s complex journey.