Lee Archer: The Tuskegee Airman Who Had to Overcome Racism to Become an Ace Pilot in WW2.

Lee Archer: The Tuskegee Airman Who Had to Overcome Racism to Become an Ace Pilot in WW2.

Today I am going to tell you about Lee Archer. He was an extraordinary American fighter pilot who became one of the most successful Tuskegee Airmen of the Second World War.

Lee Andrew Archer Jr. was born on the 6th of September 1919 in Yonkers, New York, in the United States. He then grew up in Harlem and went to New York University. Like many young men of his generation, he wanted to serve his country, but as an African American he faced racial discrimination. When he first joined the United States Army in 1941, Black men were not accepted as military pilots, so he was assigned to communications work instead.

When the Army finally opened pilot training to Black aviators, Archer trained at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama. He graduated first in his class on the 28th of July 1943 and became one of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.

During the Second World War, Archer flew an incredible 169 combat missions in Europe, far more than many pilots of the time. He flew aircraft including the Bell P-39 Airacobra, Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, and North American P-51 Mustang. Flying with the Red Tails, he shot down five enemy aircraft, officially earning the title of fighter ace, potentially making him the only Black American pilot of the war to achieve ace status. On the 12th of October 1944, over Hungary’s Lake Balaton, he shot down three enemy fighters in just ten minutes.

Despite returning home as a decorated hero, he still had to face segregation. Archer later said that it was painful to risk his life for freedom abroad while still facing discrimination at home.

He continued serving during the Korean War and remained in the military until retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1970. Afterward, he became one of the first Black corporate vice presidents at General Foods.

Archer received many honours, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, nine Air Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, the Congressional Gold Medal, and France’s Legion of Honour.

Lee Archer died on the 27th of January 2010 at the age of 90.

Had you heard of Lee Archer before today?