Benjamin O. Davis Biography

Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr.

Born: December 18, 1912
Died: July 4, 2002
Place of Birth: Washington, D.C.

Major Notes:

Benjamin Davis Jr. was the first African-American who reached the rank of General in the United States Air Force.
He came from a military family as his father was appointed the rank of Brigadier General in the army.
Davis became interested in the Air Force after making an air plane flight at the age of 14.
He was aware that segregation had played a negative role on his father's career.
In 1932, Davis entered the elite United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.
During his four years at West Point, because he was black, Davis was duly tested and shunned by other students.
He graduated in 1936 becoming the first black American to complete four years at West Point.
Davis tried to enter the Army Air Corps but, being black, his application was rejected.
Over the next several years, Davis furthered his career through working and teaching in mainly all-black institutions.
It was felt during these times that white soldiers should not be commanded by a black officer.
In 1941, Davis enrolled in a black flying unit training program and was one the first five graduates at the Tuskegee Army Air Field.
He was made a Lieutenant Colonel in command of an all black air unit known as the 99th Pursuit Squadron.
Davis had to overcome some resistance to the use of black pilots in 1943 after he had taken the command of a larger all-black 332d Fighter Group.
During World War II, Davis and the units he commanded compiled an outstanding record.
Davis was awarded the Silver Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts.
In 1954, following service in Korea, Davis became the first African-American to be appointed a General in the Air Force.
By 1965, he had made the honor of being a four-star General.
Benjamin Davis Jr. retired in 1975 having achieved numerous honors of recognition.
He is most remembered for his historic work in helping with racial integration of the armed forces.

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Major Notes:

Benjamin Davis Jr. was the first African-American who reached the rank of General in the United States Air Force.

He came from a military family as his father was appointed the rank of Brigadier General in the army.

Davis became interested in the Air Force after making an air plane flight at the age of 14.

He was aware that segregation had played a negative role on his father's career.

In 1932, Davis entered the elite United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

During his four years at West Point, because he was black, Davis was duly tested and shunned by other students.

He graduated in 1936 becoming the first black American to complete four years at West Point.

Davis tried to enter the Army Air Corps but, being black, his application was rejected.

Over the next several years, Davis furthered his career through working and teaching in mainly all-black institutions.

It was felt during these times that white soldiers should not be commanded by a black officer.

In 1941, Davis enrolled in a black flying unit training program and was one the first five graduates at the Tuskegee Army Air Field.

He was made a Lieutenant Colonel in command of an all black air unit known as the 99th Pursuit Squadron.

Davis had to overcome some resistance to the use of black pilots in 1943 after he had taken the command of a larger all-black 332d Fighter Group.

During World War II, Davis and the units he commanded compiled an outstanding record.

Davis was awarded the Silver Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts.

In 1954, following service in Korea, Davis became the first African-American to be appointed a General in the Air Force.

By 1965, he had made the honor of being a four-star General.

Benjamin Davis Jr. retired in 1975 having achieved numerous honors of recognition.

He is most remembered for his historic work in helping with racial integration of the armed forces.