BHS Day 21: Benjamin O. Davis, Sr.

Hi! I'm not entirely positive whether or not military falls firmly under the Tech category, but it fits here a bit more than any of the others, so this is where it stays. lol As I learn more about Black pioneers in different areas, I've become more aware of the accomplishments in the military world; something I didn't even learn in ROTC, with a Black CSM. Blacks have deep roots in military service, but you'd never know it unless you chose to research on your own. Today's Spotlight focuses on one of the first recognized military pioneers. 

Source

Name: Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., 1880-1970

Profession: Military officer and professor 

Why is the Spotlight on him today? For his service to our country and his accomplishments throughout his military career

Accomplishments:
--Was the first Black brigadier general in the US Army
--Served the country for a total of 50 years
--Was the commanding officer of the first-ever Black air unit
--Was promoted to major, then lieutenant colonel on the same day
--Served as the first lieutenant of an all-Black Volunteer Infantry unit during the Spanish-American war
--Was the recipient of both a Bronze Star Medal and a Distinguished Service Medal
--Served as an adviser on African-American matters in Europe during WW2
--Helped to expose and document racism and inequality among soldiers at various levels during the war
--Taught his illiterate soldiers and veterans how to read and write, and taught military science and tactics throughout his career
--Was posthumously honored with a stamp in the US Postal Black Heritage Series to honor his contributions
--Was awarded the Grade of Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa (that's a mouthful!) --Was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm from France

Further reading links:
Biography | Army History | 

In addition to checking out today's Further Reading links, I also suggest doing a search on Benjamin Davis Jr., who isn't without his own accomplishments. Having an example like his dad's to follow must have set the bar high, but they were both able to carve out exemplary military careers that were entirely separate from the other (Jr. served in the Air Force, while Sr. was in the Army) and serve as motivation for tons of younger soldiers. I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you tomorrow!