Jesse Leroy Brown was the first African-American Naval Aviator in the US Navy. He was shot down near the Chosin Reservior in Korea during the Korean War. see Wikipedia info: (
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Text on the monument reads:
A Native of Hattiesburg MS Salutatorian of his 1944 Eureka High class. Brown maintained a 4.0 GPA for 3 yrs at Ohio State University's College of Engineering. Jesse L. Brown was the first black American to become a naval aviator. Also, the first black American naval officer to be killed in action. Brown is the first black American to have a navy ship named in his honor. The USS Jesse L Brown.
Dirving directions from Hwy 49S in Hattiesburg are:
Pass over Broadway Dr and under the RailWay overpass, just passed the rail bridge turn right onto the Frontage Rd and go North. At Country Club turn right travel .3 miles Marker is on the right at the corner of Country Club & Jesse Brown.