August Harvey Martin
August 31, 1919–July 30, 1968
American pilot and Tuskegee Airman. The first African American to attain the rank of Captain with a commercial airline, and the first black airline pilot in the United States
August Harvey Martin, often referred to as Captain August “Augie” Harvey Martin, was a remarkable American pilot and a member of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen. Born on August 31, 1919, in Los Angeles, California, he left an indelible mark in aviation history. Here is an account of his life and career:
Early Life and Education
August Harvey Martin’s journey began in Los Angeles, California, where he was born in 1919. Raised by his mother, a dedicated schoolteacher, he received his early education at home until the age of 13. In 1938, the family relocated to New York, where he completed his high school education at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. Afterward, he returned to California and attended San Mateo Junior College, where he initiated his flying endeavors by financing his initial flying lessons. His determination led to his first solo flight in January 1940.
Flight Training and Military Service
His pursuit of aviation took him to the University of California Civilian Pilot Training Program, where he further honed his flight skills and earned his flight instructor rating. In 1942, he contributed his expertise to the Navy V-12 Program at Cornell University. In 1943, Captain Martin joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and commenced flight training in Tuskegee, Alabama. His dedication and talent culminated in him receiving his wings in September 1945. He honorably concluded his military service in 1946.
Challenges and Persistence
Upon leaving the military, Captain Martin embarked on a quest to secure a position as a commercial airline pilot. However, the racial biases of the era presented significant obstacles for African Americans in this field. Undeterred, he persevered by taking on various roles, including odd jobs, aircraft maintenance, and part-time flying assignments.
Breaking Barriers in Aviation
Finally, in 1955, Captain Martin’s unwavering determination bore fruit when he was employed by Seaboard World Airlines as a Captain. This historic achievement marked him as the first African American to hold the prestigious role of a Captain with a scheduled U.S. airline. During his tenure with Seaboard, he piloted a range of aircraft, including DC-3, DC-4, Lockheed Constellation, and Canadair CL-44 planes.
Humanitarian Efforts and Tragic End
Captain Martin’s dedication extended beyond his professional duties. In his spare time, he undertook numerous humanitarian aid flights to Africa. Notably, he participated in the Biafran airlift operations during the Nigerian Civil War.
Tragically, on July 30, 1968, while on leave from Seaboard World Airlines, Captain Martin volunteered for a mercy mission to deliver food and relief supplies to the embattled enclave of Biafra. During a challenging night landing in a tropical storm at the Uli jungle airstrip, his Lockheed L‑1049G Super Constellation crashed. This devastating accident claimed the lives of Captain Martin, his wife, actress Gladys Frank Riddle Martin, and two International Red Cross representatives.
Legacy
To honor his memory and contributions to aviation, the August Martin High School in South Jamaica, New York, was named after him. Additionally, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration published the August Martin Activities Book for minority children in 1980 and 1993, further perpetuating his legacy of breaking barriers in aviation and his dedication to humanitarian causes. Captain August “Augie” Harvey Martin’s story serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.