America's First Black General (Paperback)

Marvin E. Fletcher

ISBN 10: 0700609636 / ISBN 13: 9780700609635

Published by University Press of Kansas, Kansas, 1989

About this Item

Paperback. Throughout an illustrious career that spanned the half-century from the Spanish-American War through World War II, Benjamin O. Davis proved that determination and diplomacy could overcome the barriers raised by racial bigotry. Today there are as many as 10,000 black officers in the army. In Davis's day there weren't more than two or three. As Marvin Fletcher's admiring but balanced portrait shows, this enormous change owes not a little to the persistent efforts and quiet dignity of Benjamin O. Davis. Davis helped "lay the foundation for the integration of the armed forces, the first major break in the wall of segregated America." Born into the black middle class of Washington, D.C., Davis maintained a lifelong love for the military, despite the debilitating effects of the army's segregation policies. Such policies repeatedly denied Davis promotions and meant " safe assignments"--Liberia, Tuskegee Institute, Wilberforce University--designed to keep him from commanding white troops. It took thirty years from his enlistment until his promotion to colonel, and another decade before he became America's first black general Promoted to brigadier general at the start of World War II, Davis headed a special section that monitored black military units at home and overseas, investigated an increasing number of racial disturbances, and bolstered the black soldier's morale. He was largely responsible for persuading the Army to try a limited form of integration. The success of that effort led to a federal mandate for the integration of the entire American armed forces. This is the biography of Benjamin O. Davis Sr., one of just six black officers in the line of the Regular Army in the 86 years from the Civil War to World War II. He became the only one to make the rank of brigadier general. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780700609635

Bibliographic Details

• Title: America's First Black General (Paperback)
• Publisher: University Press of Kansas, Kansas
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0700609636
• ISBN 13: 9780700609635
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Throughout an illustrious career that spanned the half-century from the Spanish-American War through World War II, Benjamin O. Davis proved that determination and diplomacy could overcome the barriers raised by racial bigotry.

Today there are as many as 10,000 black officers in the army. In Davis's day there weren't more than two or three. As Marvin Fletcher's admiring but balanced portrait shows, this enormous change owes not a little to the persistent efforts and quiet dignity of Benjamin O. Davis. Davis helped "lay the foundation for the integration of the armed forces, the first major break in the wall of segregated America."

Born into the black middle class of Washington, D.C., Davis maintained a lifelong love for the military, despite the debilitating effects of the army's segregation policies. Such policies repeatedly denied Davis promotions and meant " safe assignments"—Liberia, Tuskegee Institute, Wilberforce University—designed to keep him from commanding white troops. It took thirty years from his enlistment until his promotion to colonel, and another decade before he became America's first black general

Promoted to brigadier general at the start of World War II, Davis headed a special section that monitored black military units at home and overseas, investigated an increasing number of racial disturbances, and bolstered the black soldier's morale. He was largely responsible for persuading the Army to try a limited form of integration. The success of that effort led to a federal mandate for the integration of the entire American armed forces.

About the Author

Marvin E. Fletcher is professor of history at Ohio University and the author of The Black Soldier and Officer in the United States Army, 1891-1917 and The Peacetime Army, 1900 to 1941: A Research Guide.