Why Was Benjamin O. Davis Sr. Important During His Time

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Why was Benjamin O. Davis Sr. important during his time? Benjamin O. Davis Sr., born July 1, 1877, was the first African American officer in the United States Army, and was born in Washington D.C.. This was important during his time, because he was African American. With that said, this opened many doors! Parents Louis P. H. Davis and Henrietta (née Stewart) Davis strongly wanted Benjamin to go straight to college right after high school. He refused to and wanted to take a career in the Military. He was able to receive the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) and the Bronze Star. Davis's son, Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr., became the first black general officer of the United States Air Force in October 1954.

Benjamin O. Davis