Background
Peck was one of the few African-American aviators in the Air Force of the Spanish Republic He was born in Stoops Ferry, Pennsylvania.
Peck was one of the few African-American aviators in the Air Force of the Spanish Republic He was born in Stoops Ferry, Pennsylvania.
Despite obtaining a commercial pilot"s license and having done two years of University studies, Peck was turned down when he applied to join the United States. Air Corps and Navy flying school. He went to Spain during the Civil War in 1936 and joined the Spanish Republican Air Force, eventually earning rank of first lieutenant. Peck left Spain when the International Brigades and all foreign fighters were ordered to withdraw from the Republican side of the Spanish Civil War by the Non-Intervention Committee.
He returned to the United States.
On returning to the United States, Peck attempted to join the various United States military services but was refused due to his involvement in the Spanish Civil War and instead joined the United States Merchant Marine as an officer He was also Pennsylvania"s Secretary of the National Airmen"s Association and Progressive Negro Organization.
James Peck died in May 1996 in San Diego, California.
Peck was also a member of The National Aeronautic Association and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.