Jesse L. Brown

Jesse LeRoy Brown

(October 13, 1926 – December 4, 1950)

He was a distinguished United States Navy officer. He holds the distinction of being the first African-American aviator to successfully complete the United States Navy’s basic flight training program (though he wasn’t the very first African-American Navy aviator). Brown also achieved the distinction of being the first African-American naval officer to lose his life in the Korean War, and he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery.

Early Life and Education: Jesse Brown was born on October 13, 1926, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He grew up in challenging circumstances, born to Julia Lindsey Brown, a schoolteacher, and John Brown, a grocery warehouse worker. Despite the hardships, he excelled academically, graduating as the salutatorian of his racially segregated high school. His strong determination led him to Ohio State University, following in the footsteps of his role model, Jesse Owens. He pursued architectural engineering and worked various jobs to support his education, even in the face of racism.

Career in the Navy: In 1946, Jesse Brown enlisted in the U.S. Navy and became a midshipman. His perseverance paid off when he earned his pilot wings on October 21, 1948, marking a historic achievement that garnered national attention. He was assigned to Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) on the USS Leyte, stationed at Naval Air Station Quonset Point.

Korean War: With the outbreak of the Korean War, USS Leyte was ordered to the Korean Peninsula, arriving in October 1950. VF-32, flying F4U-4 Corsair fighters, supported United Nations forces. Jesse Brown, now an ensign, had already completed 20 combat missions when tragedy struck.

Loss and Heroism: During a mission at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir on December 4, 1950, Brown’s Corsair came under heavy fire, causing damage to his aircraft. He crash-landed in hostile territory, injured and trapped in the wreckage. His wingman, Thomas J. Hudner Jr., made heroic efforts to rescue him, but the extreme cold and hazardous conditions thwarted their efforts. Brown’s last words to Hudner were, “Tell Daisy I love her.”

Despite their best efforts, they were unable to save Brown, and he succumbed to his injuries and exposure to the elements. To prevent his body and aircraft from falling into enemy hands, the U.S. Navy later bombed the crash site.

Legacy: Jesse Brown’s legacy lives on through his bravery and dedication. For his actions leading up to his death, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Air Medal. His shipmates remember him as a courageous and faithful officer.

Brown’s story inspired many other African Americans to pursue careers as aviators, including Frank E. Petersen, who became the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and a Marine Corps general.

In his honor, the U.S. Navy commissioned the frigate USS Jesse L. Brown (FF-1089) in 1973, making it the third U.S. ship named in honor of an African American.

In recent years, efforts have been made to recover Brown’s remains from the crash site, demonstrating the enduring impact of his story.

While Jesse Brown is often cited as the first African-American Naval Aviator, it’s important to note that Lieutenant (junior grade) Oscar W. Holmes preceded him, earning the designation of Naval Aviator in 1943, although the Navy initially didn’t realize he was an African American.