08/26/2026
Yesterday we gathered to honor and unveil a new historical marker on our campus for EIU alumni, Major Charles B. Hall.
He became the first African-American student-athlete in EIU's history in the fall of 1938, where he lettered in both football and track. After leaving the university to join the United States Army Air Corp in 1941, he was sent to Tuskegee Army Air Field and later joined the 99th Pursuit Squadron. Hall made history on July 2, 1943, by becoming the first African-American fighter pilot to shoot down a German plane during World War II.
Over the course of his service, he flew nearly 200 missions and shot down three enemy planes. He received numerous awards and honors over his lifetime and since his death in 1971.
We are thankful to the Coles County Historical Society, the family of Major Hall, and those involved in realizing this marker on campus. His bravery, dedication, and legacy will not soon be forgotten.
