Ensign Jesse L. Brown's persistence solidified him as a trailblazer in the aviation community. As the first Black man to complete the U.S. Navy's flight training program, his path to the milestone was met with skepticism. Eventually, Ensign For Review Brown went on to fly the Vought F4U-4 Corsair in the Korean War where he became the first Black naval aviator to see combat. In December 1950, Brown’s plane was hit by enemy fire and crashed. Despite heroic efforts he could not be rescued. Ensign Brown received several posthumous awards for his service including the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1973, USS Jesse L. Brown (DE-1089) was named in his honor and commissioned. We remember all Americans who undauntedly and courageously contributed to the defense of our nation. Learn more about Ensign Brown's legacy here.