General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. (1912–2002) was a pioneering figure in the United States Air Force. Despite facing discrimination and segregation throughout his career, Davis persevered and excelled as a combat pilot and leader. During World War II, he commanded the 99th Fighter Squadron at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama, the first Black American military aviators, also known as the Tuskegee Airman. As the commander of the 332nd Fighter Group Davis led his pilots and ground crews from Ramitelli Airflied in Italy. Flying bomber escort missions over Europe and North Africa his pilots earned widespread respect for their outstanding performance in aerial combat. The group was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for its mission on March 24, 1945. As 332nd protected bombers on their way to Berlin, not a single one was lost to enemy fire.
Though he retired in 1970 with the rank of lieutenant general, for his exceptional service Davis was promoted to Four Star General by President Bill Clinton on December 9, 1998.
Learn more at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Park
https://home.nps.gov/tuai/index.htm
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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General Benjamin O. Davis Jr.