Post on 22-Apr-2015
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Benjamin O. Davis Jr.
General of the Tuskegee Air Men By:Katherine R. Powell
General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Of The Tuskegee Air Men
Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was an astounding man. He went into WWII to fight for his countrie's freedom,
even though his fellow soldiers did not treat him nicely dew to horrible racial laws. Thankfully his actions
helped break those racial barriers. http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/
benjamin-o-davis-jr/
Early Years
Benjamin was born in Washington D.C. on December 18, 1912 to a family of two sisters, a father , and a mother. Unfortunately his mother died from complications from childbirth 4 years after
Benjamin was born . Two years later Benjamin Sr. married again to Sadie Overton, an English professor at Wilberforce University. Sadly Benjamin and his sisters lived with relatives because his
father was finishing up duty in the Philippines. http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
His Dream has Begun
When Benjamin was 13 he went to a barnstorming exhibition. One of the pilots there offered to give him a ride. Benjamin enjoyed it so much he was determined to become a pilot.http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
His Journey to His Dream
After high school he went to college still wanting to become a pilot so he contacted Illinois Representative Oscar De Priest. De Priest sponsored him a spot in the US Military Academy. This academy would test Benjamin's strength and will to the highest level. http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
Success!
Benjamin's time in the Academy was hostile. In the four years he attended he graduated 35th in his class of 278. When he received his commission he became a second lieutenant. Benjamin would become the second African American man in the US Military.http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
Following his Father's Footsteps
Benjamin tried to apply for the Army Air Corps unfortunately he was denied. He later on decided to follow his father's footsteps , so he went to Tuskegee, Alabama to teach at the Tuskegee Institute. In the years he would spend there he move up rank to rank and finally get to Lieutenant Colonel. http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
Fighting With Many ReasonsBenjamin's desire to fly still burned bright , so did other African Americans. So the Tuskegee Airmen were created.
Soon the Airmen would be sent into WW11
They would first go to the German held island of Pantelleria.
Almost immediately problems started for Davis. White men complained that the black men under worked.
http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
Later Years
Benjamin would go on several missions later in life to win every battle.
Benjamin's final "promotion" was to be Lieutenant General he would retire right after this promotion in April 1965.
http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
His Legacy
Benjamin passed away on July 4, 2002, one of the most patriotic holidays in our country.
Because of Benjamin's actions he broke racial barriers in the US Military and helped with segregation all around the country not just in the Military.
http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
Bibliography Page
http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
Google Images
Why I chose Him
I chose him because seemed interesting to me and he was a huge inspiration and
role model to what was right and wrong and how hard you try you can always
accomplish your dreams if you really try.
Thank You
By:Katherine R. Powell