The first African American woman to fly for the U.S. military was Willa Brown. She served as a pilot and played a crucial role in paving the way for future generations of female pilots in the military. Brown was not only a skilled aviator but also an advocate for aviation education and worked tirelessly to increase opportunities for African Americans in the field. Her accomplishments remain a significant part of aviation history and highlight the contributions of women of color during a time of great social change.