On this day in 1940, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. became the first black brigadier general

Oct. 25, 1940

Benjamin O. Davis Sr. became the first black American promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Army.

His parents wanted him to go to college after graduating from high school, but Davis chose a military career instead. He served in the Spanish-American War in the 8th United States Volunteer Infantry, an all-black unit.

He overcame widespread prejudice and rose through the ranks. In 1900 he became the first black American officer and a year later he was commissioned into the Army as a lieutenant. He served in the famous Buffalo Soldiers Regiment in the Philippines, which led to his temporary promotion to lieutenant colonel.

During World War II, he became the Army’s principal adviser on race relations and served in the European Theater of Operations. For his outstanding work, the Army honored him with the Bronze Star Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal, France awarded him the Croix de Guerre with the Palm, and Liberia awarded him the rank of Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa.

His important work paved the way for other people of color – only one of six black officers in the Army between the Civil War and World War II.

On July 20, 1948, Davis retired after 50 years of military service in a public ceremony presided over by President Harry Truman. Six days later, Truman issued Executive Order 9981, eliminating racial discrimination in the armed forces. Twenty-two years later, Davis died and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1997, the U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp in his honor.