An Online Reference Guide to African American History
Quintard Taylor
Scott and Dorothy Bullitt Professor of American History
University of Washington, Seattle
An Online Reference Guide to African American History
Quintard Taylor
Scott and Dorothy Bullitt Professor of American History
University of Washington, Seattle
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Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. has the distinction of being the first black general in the American military. He was born in Washington, D.C. on July 1, 1877, into a middle class family and dedicated his life to the military. He entered the Spanish American War as a temporary first lieutenant of the 8th United States Volunteer Infantry. After the war he enlisted as a private with the 10th Cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers) and rose to the rank of sergeant major. He then was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1901 and over the next thirty years received promotions to the rank of brigadier general in 1941.
In his fifty year military career, Davis served as an officer with the 10th Cavalry, Adjutant, Professor of Military Science at Wilberforce University in Ohio and Tuskegee Institute (University), Military Attaché to Monrovia, Liberia, Supply Officer, Commanding Officer, Brigade Commander, Advisor on Negro Problems, and Assistant to the Inspector General in Washington, D.C. Benjamin Davis gained a reputation as a man of determination and diplomacy. His quiet resolve and competence overcame the prejudice and segregation of military life before its integration during the Korean War. He retired on July 14, 1948, died on November 26, 1970, and was interred in Arlington National Cemetery. He also was the father of Lieutenant General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., the second African American to gain the rank of general.
Sources:
Marvin E. Fletcher, America’s First Black General: Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., 1880-1970 (Lawrence, Kansas: University of Kansas, 1989.); www.army.mil/cmh/topics/afam/davis.htm
Contributor(s):
Searles, Michael N.
Augusta State University
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