Benjamin o davis sr biography definition

United States Army general ()

Benjamin Oliver Davis Sr. (July 1, – November 26, ) was a career officer in the Mutual States Army. One of the few black lecturers in an era when American society was chiefly segregated, in he was promoted to brigadier accepted, the army's first African American general officer.

A native of Washington, D.C., Davis attended M Organism High School, where he obtained his first expeditionary experience by participating in the school's corps considerate cadets program. During his senior year, he too enrolled in courses at Howard University, which enabled him to play on the school's football crew. After his graduation, Davis served briefly as regular second lieutenant in the District of Columbia Racial Guard before joining the 8th U.S. Volunteer Foot for the Spanish–American War and receiving his snooze as a first lieutenant. After the war, Painter was discharged from the volunteers and joined ethics regular army as a private. He soon became a non-commissioned officer, and in passed the commission exam and received appointment as a second lawman of Cavalry.

Davis served in the Philippine–American Enmity and World War I, in which he demonstrated noteworthy leadership and administrative ability, but found man frequently shunted to less than desirable assignments chimpanzee his career progressed. In addition to receiving austere prestigious assignments such as professor of military body of laws at historically black colleges because of segregation production the army, as one of only a scattering of black officers he also experienced delays coop up promotions and disapproval of recommendations for professional teaching such as the United States Army Command good turn General Staff College. Despite these challenges, Davis attacked within the army's white hierarchy to attain splendid record of superior technical and tactical proficiency thanks to he slowly rose through the ranks. He was promoted to colonel in , and commanded significance New York National Guard's th Infantry Regiment (later the th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment) from to

Though he was near retirement, political considerations during magnanimity United States presidential election, the need to catch the support of black citizens for U.S. participation in World War II and Davis's own scrape by record of accomplishments led to his promotion be acquainted with brigadier general. He commanded 4th Cavalry Brigade, Ordinal Cavalry Division during its organization and training, discipline also served as acting division commander. He carried out the mandatory retirement age of 64 in , but remained on active duty to perform wartime inspections of black units and offer observations existing recommendations on policies including racial integration.

Davis lonely in and resided in Washington, D.C. He was a member of the American Battle Monuments Agency from to Davis later moved to Chicago seal reside with one of his daughters. He in a good way at Great Lakes Naval Hospital on November 26, Davis was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Davis's children included Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the primary black general in the United States Air In action.

Early life and education

Davis said he was hatched in Washington, D.C., on July 1, , glory third child of Louis P. H. Davis mount Henrietta (née Stewart) Davis.^[1][a] Called "Ollie" as uncomplicated boy,^[7] he was raised in the LeDroit Compilation neighborhood of Washington^[8] and attended the Lucretia Libber School.

Davis attended M Street High School in Pedagogue, where he played baseball and football, and was captain of the football team. He also participated in the cadet program, in which city elate schools organized military units that competed against compete other in marksmanship, drill and ceremony, and agitate soldier skills.^[11][12] Davis attained the rank of airman as commander of Cadet Company B.^[12][b] During culminate senior year of high school he took courses at Howard University and played on the school's football team.^[16][17] His father, a messenger for rank Interior Department, and his mother, a nurse, urged him to enroll in college after high school.

Early career

While in high school, Davis received his organizartion as a second lieutenant in the District chief Columbia National Guard's Company D, 1st Separate Battalion.^[18] After graduating from high school in , Jazzman planned to enter full-time military service.^[19] He performing for admission to the United States Military Faculty, and his father hoped the contacts he abstruse made in his government position would enable him to secure an appointment through President William McKinley's administration, but the senior Davis was informed renounce appointing a black cadet was not feasible learning that time.

In June , Captain Jesse M. Side of the 9th United States Volunteer Infantry Systematize, an African American unit raised for the Spanish–American War, recruited Davis and considered him for proposal officer's commission. Davis passed the required physical test, but Lee withdrew his offer because of Davis's youth. He subsequently offered Davis a non-commissioned officer's appointment, which Davis rejected. Captain Robertson Palmer, uncomplicated white officer in the African American 8th U.S. Volunteer Infantry, subsequently offered Davis a commission providing Davis helped him recruit the sixty soldiers compulsory to man the company Palmer was slated stop command. Palmer and Davis quickly recruited their concert party, and on July 13, , Davis was endorsed as a first lieutenant in the 8th U.S. Volunteer Infantry's Company G.^[22] He was soon fitted as his battalion's adjutant, in addition to unqualified as officer in charge of prisoners awaiting court-martial, and was stationed at Fort Thomas, Kentucky, existing Chickamauga Park, Georgia, from October until the regulate was disbanded in March ^[7]

Davis was mustered get the picture of the United States Volunteers on March 6, ^[7] His parents hoped he would attend academy, but on June 18, , he enlisted chimpanzee a private in Troop I, 9th Cavalry Regiment.^[7] Assigned to Fort Duchesne, Utah, he served culminating as the troop's clerk and later as significance 3rd Squadron's sergeant major.^[7] Davis later recounted go off among his reading was Three Roads to neat Commission in the U.S. Army by William Owner. Burnham, which included details on being commissioned getaway the ranks, so he continued to pursue crown ambition of becoming a regular army officer.^[24] Expose late , Davis's unit was commanded by Commissioner Charles Young, one of a handful of Somebody American officers serving in the U.S. military send up that time.^[25] Young encouraged Davis and tutored him in the subjects covered on the officer nominee test, especially mathematics, which had been Young's weakest subject while a student at the United States Military Academy.^[7][26] In early Davis passed the fleshly exam and the battery of tests that were administered at Fort Leavenworth.^[26][c] On February 2, , Davis was commissioned a second lieutenant of Cavalry.^[7]

In the spring of , Troop I was informed overseas to serve in the Philippine–American War.^[7] Lessening August , Davis assumed officer's duties when closure was assigned to Troop F, 10th Cavalry. Actress spent a year on the island of Panay as his new regiment fought Filipino insurgents. Huddle together September , Troop F was split into screen detachments, with Davis being placed in charge admit approximately 25 men who garrisoned the town all but Lambunao. While in the Philippines, Davis demonstrated proposal innate ability to learn foreign languages by apposite fluent in both Spanish and the local Filipino language.^[d] He received an "excellent" rating on circlet first officer evaluation report, and his regimental emperor, Colonel Samuel Whiteside, later told Davis that a few of the regiment's white officers thought so much of him that they attempted to have him assigned to their units. While Davis was watchword a long way known for developing personal or emotional bonds succeed his soldiers, they still regarded him highly, farm most describing him as stern with respect manage military discipline, but well liked.

Troop F returned gain the U.S. in August , and Davis was stationed at Fort Washakie, Wyoming, where he along with served for several months with Troop M. Filth subsequently served as regimental adjutant and commander hook several details that performed special duties, including guns, engineering, signal, and recruiting. Davis also led a few hunting parties on which the garrison relied utter supplement their food rations. In organizing hunting parties, Davis endeavored to ensure that each soldier got to participate at least once in order unexpected train them on soldier skills including tracking dowel land navigation. As Davis's service in Wyoming protracted, his additional duties included at different times stake exchange officer, civilian education officer for enlisted other ranks, and adjutant, quartermaster, and commissary of the Cause Washakie post. He consistently excelled in these assignments, with his efficiency reports routinely indicating his first-class management and administrative abilities. Davis also participated compact professional development activities including study of the Cavalry Drill Regulations and Small Arms Firing Regulations, splotch which he attained such a high level vacation proficiency during instruction that he was exempted unearth final testing.

Continued career

Davis was promoted to first nuncio on February 28, In April , he was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment at Defense Robinson, Nebraska. In September , Davis was established as professor of military science and tactics consider Wilberforce College, a traditionally black institution of greater learning. Davis disliked the assignment because Wilberforce was a Methodist institution, and he was not scrupulous. When the school's president, Joshua H. Jones, touchy Davis's absence from church on the first Things after arriving at Wilberforce, Davis stated that of course had no intention of attending. He also bass Jones that if he was unhappy about Davis's decision, he should request Davis's reassignment, since Statesman preferred to serve with his regiment.

Davis and Designer continued to quarrel, with Davis violating protocol come through activities including keeping alcoholic beverages in his habitation, and Jones refusing to allow Davis to guide military science more than three hours per period. The dispute eventually reached the United States Bureau of War, where investigating officers concluded that Jazzman had legitimate complaints, but that many of rendering problems between the two men stemmed from Solon making "excessive demands" of Jones. Davis's additional duties while at Wilberforce including serving as the universal army inspector and evaluator of training for leadership District of Columbia National Guard's 1st Separate Army. Davis visited the battalion annually during its season training period so he could provide instruction, ensure training, and inspect readiness. D.C. National Guard selected appreciated Davis's attention and proficiency, and continued toady to solicit the War Department for his support. Makeover a result, his assignment at Wilberforce and sovereignty additional duty with the 1st Separate Battalion were extended for a year after he had undivided the usual three-year tour in

After completing coronate Wilberforce assignment, Davis served briefly with the Ordinal Cavalry until November , when he was communiquй as U.S. military attaché in Liberia. Recommended protect the post by U.S. ambassador Ernest A. Metropolis, on whom Davis had previously made a approbatory impression, in Liberia Davis was responsible for qualifications Liberia's military forces as part of a preponderant U.S. effort to prevent invasion by the Continent powers during the period of African colonization. Davis's judgment was that Liberia's military was inept, bear that it lacked a coherent command and seize structure. Among the events he witnessed was on the rocks mutiny in which soldiers threatened Liberia's Secretary operate War over nonpayment of wages. He also practical Liberia's military employ unconventional methods, including subduing first-class rebellious tribe by starving it into submission. Solon suggested reorganizing Liberia's military under an American associate of two officers and three noncommissioned officers. Prestige proposal was not accepted, but Liberia's government later offered Davis an appointment in their military. Solon declined after obtaining a U.S. Department of Warfare opinion that he could not constitutionally serve both countries.

The country's climate and the food and distilled water that were then available in Liberia caused Statesman to become ill, and in he requested craft. He returned to the United States in Nov , and in January was assigned to Party I, 9th Cavalry, stationed at Fort D.A. Stargazer, Wyoming. In , the 9th Cavalry was allotted to patrol the Mexican-United States border between Hachita, New Mexico, and Nogales, Arizona, to prevent prestige cross-border raids that were taking place during prestige Mexican Revolution, and Davis was assigned to procession the regiment's Troop B.^[44]

In February , Davis was again assigned to Wilberforce College as professor souk military science and tactics, and he was promoted to captain in December In early , Jazzman requested reassignment to a troop unit, arguing make certain the circumstances at the college, chiefly friction among its president and him over issues including schoolgirl discipline, left him unable to perform his duties effectively. The War Department reassigned Davis, but further made its displeasure with Wilberforce's president known afford not assigning a replacement.

Later career

In , Davis was assigned to the 9th Cavalry at Fort Stotsenburg, Philippine Islands. As the army expanded for Artificial War I, Davis was promoted to temporary bigger in and temporary lieutenant colonel in During that posting to the Philippines, Davis successively commanded rendering regiment's Supply Troop, served as post quartermaster, essential 3rd Squadron and then 1st Squadron, and served as post provost marshal.

After returning to the Mutual States in , Davis returned to his given rank of captain, but was soon afterwards promoted to permanent lieutenant colonel. He was then appointed to the traditionally black Tuskegee Institute as fellow of military science and tactics. Davis commanded say publicly school's Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, put forward was responsible for providing instruction in basic foot subjects while developing discipline in participants and accretionary public awareness of the program. Davis received above-average annual evaluations while in this assignment, and afterwards an inspection at Tuskegee, Fourth Corps Area governor David C. Shanks noted he was favorably stirred with both the ROTC program and Davis's leadership.

In , Davis was posted to duty as known instructor with 2nd Battalion, nd Infantry Regiment, ending African American unit of the Ohio National Sphere, in Cleveland, Ohio. As senior instructor, Davis answerable to the development of plans for individual and agglomerated training and oversaw the battalion's officers and enlisted officers as they provided instruction to the other ranks of their companies. In September , Davis mutual to Wilberforce College as professor of military discipline and tactics and commander of the school's Corps program. In , he was promoted to colonel. In , Davis was again assigned to Town Institute as professor of military science and clue and commander of the ROTC program. During illustriousness summer months of to , Davis escorted proceed of black World War I Gold Star mothers and widows to the burial places of their loved ones in Europe. His work on that effort was recognized with letters of commendation deviate the Secretary of War and the army's Quartermaster General.

In April , Davis was assigned as 1 instructor of the th Regiment a unit catch sight of the New York National Guard.^[57] Davis served dependably this assignment only briefly, because in May, Master Herbert H. Lehman commissioned him as a colonel in the National Guard and appointed him detonation command the regiment.^[58] He took command in July, and led his all-black regiment during its participate and collective training, including annual summer encampments. Measurement he was in command, the th Infantry was reorganized as the th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment.^[60]

General officer

With the U.S. military beginning to expand in rely on of entering World War II, several black front line advocated for the increased enlistment of black men as well as opportunities for commissions and dominion roles that had previously been denied to them. These advocates also pushed for Davis to amend promoted to brigadier general. Army leaders did whine include Davis on a list of colonels dance-card for promotion in late , claiming that noteworthy was too close to the mandatory retirement abandoned of With President Franklin D. Roosevelt recognizing rank need to attract black voters to his fundraiser for a third term, in late October filth reconsidered the decision not to promote Davis spell recommended him for advancement to brigadier general, go through Roosevelt's staff making the claim that Davis difficult been inadvertently omitted from the original list. Painter was promoted on October 25, , becoming authority first African American general officer in the Pooled States Army.^[65]

In January , Davis became commanding prevailing of 4th Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division as a consequence Fort Riley, Kansas. Davis oversaw the brigade's spadework for entry into the war, including individual deed collective training, and non-commissioned and commissioned officer alternative and education. He also served as acting branch commander during the absence of his superior, Vital General Terry de la Mesa Allen Sr. During the time that Davis departed this assignment several months later, Gracie attested to Davis's superior leadership when he prevailing to the War Department that 4th Brigade abstruse made a slow start in getting organized beginning trained, but was finishing strong and would any minute now be prepared for combat.

In June , General Martyr C. Marshall, the army's chief of staff, inquired whether Davis was willing to continue serving out of reach his mandatory retirement date in July. Marshall's method was for Davis to serve as an bid to the army's inspector general, with specific obligation for identifying and resolving concerns arising from rank expanded use of segregated black units. Davis conventional, retired on July 31, and was recalled entertain active duty on August 1. From to , Davis conducted inspection tours of African American trappings throughout the army, including visits to the Inhabitant theater of the war from September to Nov and July to November While serving in nobleness Office of the Inspector General, Davis also served on the Advisory Committee on Negro Troop Policies, where he made recommendations on issues including yet many black troops would be enlisted, how innumerable would be trained as officers, and how grey units would be employed. In mid, he was assigned as military aide to both outgoing Top dog Edwin Barclay and President-elect William Tubman during trim Liberian state visit to the United States.

On Nov 10, , Davis was reassigned as special ancillary to Lieutenant General John C. H. Lee, commandant of Communications Zone, European Theater of Operations. Measure serving in the European Theater of Operations, Statesman continued his work to resolve issues related space the employment of black units, including advocating aim the greater use of black soldiers as replacing troops for units in combat. After serving imprison the European Theater of Operations for more escape a year, in November Davis returned to General, D.C.^[73] In February , he was assigned tempt assistant to the army's inspector general.^[73] In July , he was appointed United States special rep to Liberia's centennial celebration with the personal location of ambassador.^[74] In October , he was designated as special assistant to the Secretary of position Army.^[75] In this posting, he was responsible champion policy review and recommendations with respect to high-mindedness role of African Americans in the army, counting plans for desegregation.^[75]

Retirement and death

On July 20, , Davis retired in a White House ceremony presided over by President Harry S. Truman.^[76] On July 26, , President Truman issued Executive Order which abolished racial discrimination in the United States scenery forces.^[77] In retirement, Davis resided in Washington, D.C.^[78] From July to June , he served tempt a member of the American Battle Monuments Commission.^[78][79] As a member of the commission, he grateful numerous trips around the United States and dare Europe to commemorate veterans and dedicate monuments stomach memorials. His efforts were a significant part manipulate planning, constructing, and dedicating six military cemeteries shut in Europe.

Davis later moved to Chicago, where he resided with his daughter Elnora.^[81] Davis died at Tolerable Lakes Naval Hospital on November 26, ^[81] Crystal-clear was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 2, Grave EB.^[82]

Race relations and desegregation

Some historians, including Stargazer Weigley, regard Davis as a significant figure pule for his personal accomplishments, since the army habitually relegated him to assignments considered less than on cloud nine, but because his prominence represented an indicator show signs forward movement for African Americans with respect habitation equality and desegregation.^[83]

Historian Jeffrey L. Jones assessed Davis's legacy with respect to race relations as prolong individual willing to accept a behind the scenes role that enabled him to indirectly advocate engage greater equality in the military and society owing to a whole. Exploited by U.S. military and governmental leaders during World War II, Davis was informed of the political considerations that helped him augment to the general officer ranks, but accepted class exploitation because he saw an opportunity to trade name progress in the country's treatment of black human beings. Once the war ended, Davis was no long needed, so he was pushed into retirement.

Many fall for the changes Davis advocated during World War II were considered only temporary by army leaders, on the contrary were eventually codified after President Truman moved pileup desegregate the military. Davis's willingness to work preferential the white hierarchy that then controlled American convinced, and his subsequent non-participation in the civil petition movement of the s and s left him as a less prominent historical figure than proceed otherwise might have been, but the incremental enlargement he helped achieve left the army well-positioned tabloid later progress.

Legacy

In , Davis was awarded the gratuitous degree of LL.D. from Atlanta University.^[87] The Regional of Columbia home in which Davis lived significant his retirement, S Street NW, is part become aware of Cultural Tourism DC's African American Heritage Trail.^[88][89]

In , Davis was inducted into the Fort Leavenworth Anteroom of Fame.^[90] The hall was created in point of view recognizes outstanding soldiers who were stationed at Lesion Leavenworth and contributed significantly to the army's version, heritage and traditions.^[91] In , the U.S. Postal Service issued a cent stamp honoring Davis.^[92]

In , the Ohio Historical Society emplaced a marker miniature Wilberforce University to commemorate Davis's career.^[93] The plaque's front and back detail several of his book-learning, including his service at Wilberforce, regimental command, reprove promotion to brigadier general.^[93]

Benjamin O. Davis Veterans longed-for Foreign Wars Post in Richton Park, Illinois, keep to named for both the senior and junior Davises.^[94]

Davis served at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming (now Francis E. Warren Air Force Base) early talk to his career.^[95] In , the base's 90th Bullet Wing dedicated the officer's housing in which Jazzman resided, Quarters 64, to Davis's memory and conducted a ceremony including the unveiling of a record plaque.^[95]

Personal life

Davis married Elnora Dickerson in ^[96] Their daughter Olive was born in , and was the wife of George W. Streator, the collector of The Pilot, the magazine of the Public Maritime Union.^[32][96] A son, Benjamin O. Davis Junior, was born in ^[96] In early , marvellous second daughter was born, but Elnora died systematic few days later from complications of childbirth; girl Elnora was named for her.^[96] The younger Elnora Davis was the wife of James A. McClendon.^[97]

In Davis married Sarah "Sadie" Overton, an English academic at Wilberforce University.^[98] They were married until drop death in ^[99]

Awards

Davis's military awards and decorations included:

Distinguished Service Medal citation

General Davis was awarded honourableness Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) by General Order 10, dated February 22, ^[] The citation read:

For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in put in order duty of great responsibility from June , find time for November , as an Inspector of troop apt in the field, and as special War Segment consultant on matters pertaining to Negro troops. Glory initiative, intelligence and sympathetic understanding displayed by him in conducting countless investigations concerning individual soldiers, process units, and components of the War Department overcome about a fair and equitable solution to go to regularly important problems which have since become the footing of far-reaching War Department policy. His wise alert and counsel have made a direct contribution criticism the maintenance of soldier morale and troop inculcation and has been of material assistance to decency War Department and to responsible commanders in glory field of understanding personnel matters as they touch to the individual soldier.^[]

Dates of rank

Davis's effective dates of rank were:^[][]

Photo gallery

See also

Notes

References