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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Photo # USN 1146845:  Ensign Jesse L. Brown in the cockpit of an F4U-4, circa 1950

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --

Ensign Jesse LeRoy Brown, USN, (1926-1950)

Jesse LeRoy Brown was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on 13 October 1926. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1946 and was appointed a Midshipman, USN, the following year. After attending Navy pre-flight school and flight training, he was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1948, the first African-American to achieve this status. Midshipman Brown was then assigned to Fighter Squadron 32. He received his commission as Ensign in April 1949.

During the Korean War, his squadron operated from USS Leyte (CV-32), flying F4U-4 Corsair fighters in support of United Nations forces. On 4 December 1950, while on a close air support mission near the Chosin Reservoir, Ensign Brown's plane was hit by enemy fire and crashed. Despite heroic efforts by other aviators, he could not be rescued and died in his aircraft. Ensign Jesse L. Brown was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his Korean War combat service.

USS Jesse L. Brown (DE-1089) was named in honor of Ensign Jesse LeRoy Brown.

This page features images of Jesse L. Brown.


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: 80-G-706531

Midshipman Jesse L. Brown, USN


Photographed at Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida, October 1948, while serving as a Naval Aviation Cadet.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 49KB; 575 x 765 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 
Photo #: 80-G-707201

Ensign Jesse L. Brown, USN


Takes the oath of office on board USS Leyte (CV-32), 26 April 1949.
Administering the oath is the ship's Commanding Officer, Captain William L. Erdmann. Lieutenant Commander E.D. Williams (center) is witnessing the ceremony.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 59KB; 580 x 765 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 
Photo #: 80-G-708014

Ensign Jesse L. Brown, USN


Photograph dated September 1949.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 33KB; 475 x 765 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 
Photo #: USN 1146845

Ensign Jesse L. Brown, USN


In the cockpit of an F4U-4 Corsair fighter, circa 1950.
He was the first African-American Naval Aviator, and flew with Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) from USS Leyte (CV-32).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph.

Online Image: 85KB; 740 x 620 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system as Photo # 428-N-1146845.

 
Photo #: NH 94599-KN (Color)

"Black History" Poster


Featuring Ensign Jesse L. Brown, the first African-American Naval Aviator, and the ship named in his honor, USS Jesse L. Brown (FF-1089).
The original artwork was created circa 1976 by William M. Moser, of the Navy Recruiting Command.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 83KB; 740 x 605 pixels

 


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 18 December 1998
Coding updated 25 March 2001