James Peck (pilot) facts for kids
James Lincoln Holt Peck (born September 8, 1912 – died May 1996) was an American pilot. He flew planes for the Spanish Republican Air Force during the Spanish Civil War.
Life Story
James Peck was one of the few African-American pilots in the Spanish Republic's Air Force. He was born in Stoops Ferry, Pennsylvania. Even though he had a commercial pilot's license and studied at university for two years, Peck was not allowed to join the U.S. Air Corps or the Navy flying school. This was because of the racial discrimination common at the time.
In 1936, he traveled to Spain during the Spanish Civil War. He joined the Spanish Republican Air Force and eventually became a first lieutenant. Peck was known for shooting down 5 enemy aircraft. He shot down 2 Heinkel He-51s from the Condor Legion and 3 Fiat CR.32 fighters. This made him one of only three American "aces" in Spain. While there, he also became friends with the famous writer Ernest Hemingway.
Peck left Spain when the International Brigades and all foreign fighters were told to leave the Republican side of the Spanish Civil War. This order came from the Non-Intervention Committee. He then returned to the United States.
When he came back to the U.S., Peck tried to join different U.S. military groups. However, he was turned down because he had fought in the Spanish Civil War. Instead, he joined the US Merchant Marine as an officer.
His Writings
During World War II, Peck wrote many articles about new warfare technology. He wrote a lot for Popular Science, a well-known monthly magazine. In late 1945, the editors of Popular Science bravely published a long and detailed article by Peck explaining how radar worked. They also put his photo and a short story about him on the contents page. This way, readers of Popular Science finally learned that the impressive author they admired was an African-American man.
Peck's articles about aviation and war technology also appeared in other publications. These included Harper's Magazine, The New York Times, Scientific American, and Science Digest. He also wrote for top aviation magazines like Aero Digest, Popular Aviation, The Sportsman Pilot, and Air Trails. Peck also had a strong column called Plane Talk. This column was sent to over 100 weekly newspapers through the Associated Negro Press, where Peck was the Aviation Editor.
Books He Wrote
Peck wrote two books. His first book, Armies with Wings, was published in 1939. His second book, So You're Going to Fly?, came out in 1941. The New York Times magazine said that the last chapter of his first book was "one of the best descriptions of a test pilot's job ever written."
Groups He Joined
Peck was a member of The National Aeronautic Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He was also the Secretary for Pennsylvania in the National Airmen's Association and the Progressive Negro Organization.
His Death
James Peck passed away in May 1996 in San Diego, California.
See also
- Abraham Lincoln Brigade
- Spanish Republican Air Force
- Military history of African Americans
- Salaria Kee, the only African-American female volunteer nurse in the Spanish Republic
- List of Spanish Civil War flying aces
