Lieutenant Colonel Lee Andrew Buddy Archer, Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel Lee A. "Buddy" Archer, Jr., was a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. His service for a country that did not treat members of his race equally was exemplary. His service during World War II, his follow-on Air Force career and his successful business career personify the concept of servant-leadership. As the term indicates, to a servant-leader, the concept of service comes first. Leadership naturally flows as a means to expand the ability to serve. His service is not without some controversy. Lt Col Archer is often referred to as the only Tuskegee Airmen who was an Ace (a pilot who has at least five aerial victories). The official US Air Force records do not support this claim. Of the numerous sources available on the Tuskegee Airmen that the author reviewed none correctly state the fact that the USAF does not recognize Lt Col Archer as an Ace. Official histories for the 332nd Fighter Group and the 302nd Fighter Squadron, as well as interviews with Lt Col Archer, formed the foundation for this research. The issue of whether or not Lt Col Archer is an ace has no bearing on his lifetime achievements or on what current military leaders can learn from him. As a servant-leader, he contributed greatly to his air force, his race and his country.