Davis, Benjamin O. Sr.
1877-1970 · Contribution: 1898-1948
Military officer
Became, in 1940, the first African American to be promoted to general officer in any branch of the U.S. military, after 42 years of service that began as an enlisted private
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Quick facts
- Born
- 1877-1970
- Category
- Military & Safety
Impact on the world
Davis Sr. broke the general-officer color line in the entire U.S. military and helped lay the groundwork for the desegregation of the armed forces.
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Sources
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National Museum of the United States Army
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