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Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. was a soldier who became the first black general in the U.S. Army. After serving as a volunteer in the Spanish-American War (1898), Benjamin Davis, Sr., enlisted as a private in the 9th Cavalry of the U.S. Army. He rose to sergeant major within two years and earned a
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Feb 25, 2024 · CNN — Despite knowing they would likely be relegated to support roles due to the color of their skin, a father and son chose to make the military their lifelong career. Determined to succeed, they...
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He was mustered out on March 6, 1899, and on June 18, 1899, he enlisted as a private in Troop I, 9th Cavalry, of the Regular Army. He then served as corporal and squadron sergeant major, and on...
Member, American Battle Monuments Commission. Benjamin Oliver Davis Sr. (July 1, 1877 – November 26, 1970) was a career officer in the United States Army. One of the few black officers in an era when American society was largely segregated, in 1940 he was promoted to brigadier general, the army's first African American general officer.
- 1898 (National Guard), 1898–1948 (Army)
Once with the 9th, Davis quickly moved up the ranks, and within a year, he became sergeant major. While stationed with the 9th, Davis met Lt. Charles Young, the only Black officer in the Army at the time. Young taught Davis what he needed to do to become an officer.
After a temporary hitch with the 8th United States Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War, he joined the famous “Buffalo Soldiers” – the 9th Cavalry Regiment – in Utah as a private. Sergeant Major Charles Young, who was the only Black officer on the base, encouraged him to take the officers’ exam and even tutored him.
Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. Born May 28, 1877 Washington, D.C. Died November 26, 1970 Chicago, Illinois The first African American general in the United States Army. For most of Benjamin Davis's military career, which spanned more than fifty years, the United States armed forces
