Product: Flyboys [Blu-ray] (2006)
Rating: 4.0
Hollywood needs to tell the truth.
Eugene Bullard, the black flying ace, was not the first black air mail carrier. He was the grandson of a slave and left his native Columbus, Georgia when he was only eight years old. He made his way to France and made his way doing odd jobs. Gene eventually became a boxer and was one France's finest before joining the Lafayette Escradrille. He had a storied success with the French Foreign Legion before becomming a pilot. Gene was decorated heavily for his bravery with the Legion and during and after WWI. He later married and had three children ( one son did not survive ). Gene was heavily involved with the French Resistance during the WWII and received many accolades from his adopted country. When he and his two daughters returned to the U.S., he found work as a elevator operator ( not a airmail carrier ). The U.S. refused to even allow him to fly with them during WWI. When Gen. DeGaulle made a state visit to New York in the 1950s, Gene went to his hotel. DeGaulle personally came downstairs to pay a visit to his old friend. Over fifteen medals and certificates were given to this man ( from France ). I really hope that Hollywood will stay true to the "real" story in the future.