Soldiers, Families, and friends gathered to witness the memorialization of U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Eugene J. Bullard and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bruce P. Crandall, honoring two heroes, and distinguished individuals, for their contributions to the nation.

Maj. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard, MCoE and Fort Moore commanding general, delivered commemorative remarks during the ceremony.

“We are truly proud to have the names of Bullard and Crandall overlook this airfield. Two aviators of the highest caliber stand watch over the platform that trains and deploys some of the nation’s finest Soldiers, providing an ever-present example of answering the nation’s call and courage under fire,” Buzzard said.

Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, U.S. House of Representatives for the second congressional district of Georgia, was also in attendance and presented remarks about the aviators’ histories, contributions, and journeys.

“It is with both pride and gratitude for these men’s service and the significance to our nation that their stories embody that I join with you today as the U. S. Army memorializes the Lawson Army Airfield (ATC facility) as the Bullard-Crandall Air Traffic Control Facility,” Bishop said.

The event also featured the MCoE band and a static display showcasing the LAAF mission and capabilities. It culminated in the unveiling of the dedication sign of the Bullard-Crandall Air Traffic Control Facility.

Bullard, a Columbus, Ga., native, was born in 1895 and went on to become the first African American military pilot to fly in combat. He enlisted in the French Foreign Legion and later became a pilot serving with the French Air Service. He was the only African American pilot to serve during World War I, flying at least 20 missions and claiming two aerial victories.

France awarded Bullard the Legion of Honor, the highest-ranking order, and knighted him for his heroic efforts. The U.S. Air Force posthumously commissioned him as a second lieutenant in 1994.

Crandall, a Medal of Honor recipient and retired master Army aviator, served here. He led over 900 combat missions during his two tours in Vietnam.

He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of la Drang, delivering ammunition to Soldiers at Landing Zone X-Ray and evacuating wounded while under enemy fire.

Photos of the Bullard-Crandall Air Traffic Control Facility memorialization ceremony can be found here.