America's First Black General

America's First Black General PDF Author: Marvin Fletcher
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 258

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Book Description
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."--

America's First Black General

America's First Black General PDF Author: Marvin Fletcher
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 258

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Book Description
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."--

BENJAMIN O. DAVIS SR., AMERICAS FIRST BLACK GENERAL: THE PARADOX OF RACIAL LEADERSHIP AND THE MILITARY PROFESSION.

BENJAMIN O. DAVIS SR., AMERICAS FIRST BLACK GENERAL: THE PARADOX OF RACIAL LEADERSHIP AND THE MILITARY PROFESSION. PDF Author: Jeffery L Jones
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Abstract on Benjamin O. Davis Sr.: Americas First Black General: The Paradox of Racial Leadership and the Military Profession ArrayThe purpose of this dissertation is to examine the life and military legacy of the Armys first African-American general. Using the life and military career of Benjamin O. Davis Sr. as a lens into the military experience of black soldiers in general, I hope to capture his historical impact upon the military and American society in general. I would like to explore to what extent Davis accommodated, resisted, and or negotiated the larger patterns of racism in the US military, and to what extent he shaped those patterns. American attributes normally associated as positive traits that coincided with military service, i.e., nationalism, military professionalism, and service to the nation, in many cases, clashed against the black American experience of racism, segregation, and open prejudice. As blacks entered the military of Daviss era they were faced with an institution that was openly hostile and dominated by white male figures who openly questioned their value and role within the military.Within this dissertation I will expand on the discussion about the life and service of Davis started by Marvin Fletcher in 1989. This has been the only work written on Davis Sr. Most black military historians or writers have largely overlooked the service and meaning of Daviss life and status as the Armys first black general officer. Several key black authors mentioned within this study, Bernard Nalty, Gail Buckley, David Kilroy, and Gerald Patton, only briefly touch on Davis in their studies of blacks who have served in Americas military. I assert that Davis helped to shape conversations about what military service meant to black soldiers and Americans and African Americans in general. While he may have been a reluctant racial figure, Daviss service and success within the military helped to open portals towards understanding spatial, cultural, and social aspects of blacks service within the army from the period that he served to present..

Chappie

Chappie PDF Author: J. Alfred Phelps
Publisher: Presidio Press
ISBN:
Category : African American generals
Languages : en
Pages : 408

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Book Description
The life and military career of the first African-American four-star general.

Invisible Generals

Invisible Generals PDF Author: Doug Melville
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1668005158
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
This amazing true story of America’s first Black generals, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. and Jr., a father and son who helped integrate the American military and created the Tuskegee Airmen, is “the book Black America needs in this moment” (Eboni K. Williams, lawyer and cohost of State of the Culture). Red Tails, George Lucas’s celebration of America’s first Black flying squadron, the Tuskegee Airmen, should have been a moment of victory for Doug Melville. He expected to see his great-uncle Benjamin O. Davis Jr.—the squadron’s commander—immortalized on-screen for his selfless contributions to America. But as the film rolled, Doug was shocked when he realized that Ben Jr.’s name had been omitted and replaced by the fictional Colonel A. J. Bullard. And Ben’s father, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., America’s first Black general who helped integrate the military, was left out completely. Dejected, Doug looked inward and realized that unless he worked to bring their inspirational story to light, it would remain hidden from the world just as it had been concealed from him. In this “thoughtful, highly readable blend of family and military history” (Kirkus Reviews), Melville shares his quest to rediscover his family’s story across five generations, from post-Civil War America to modern day Asia and Europe. In life, the Davises were denied the recognition and compensation they’d earned, but through his journey, Melville uncovers something greater: that dedication and self-sacrifice can move proverbial mountains—even in a world determined to make you invisible. Invisible Generals recounts the lives of a father and his son who always maintained their belief in the American dream. As the inheritor of their legacy, Melville retraces their steps, advocates for them to receive their long-overdue honors and unlocks the potential we all hold to retrieve powerful family stories lost to the past.

Daniel "Chappie" James

Daniel Author: Earnest N. Bracey
Publisher: McFarland
ISBN: 9780786451265
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 231

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Book Description
General Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr., USAF, fought in three American wars and became the first African American to attain the rank of four-star general in the United States Armed Forces. He was a talented military leader, an excellent orator and an advocate for equal rights for blacks in the military. James was once one of the most powerful men in the world, and today he is often classed with such great American generals as Patton, MacArthur and Pershing. This biography explores James's life and assesses his place in American military history. From his childhood through his role and service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, the book traces his personal and career development, his influences, and his climb through the military ranks. Photographs of James are included as well as detailed bibliographical information at the end of each chapter.

Chappie

Chappie PDF Author: J. Alfred Phelps
Publisher: Presidio Press
ISBN: 9780891414643
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 404

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Book Description
James' inspiring life, from his days as a pioneering Tuskegee airman to the stratosphere of command of NORAD.

Loretta Lynch

Loretta Lynch PDF Author: Eric Braun
Publisher: Lerner Publications (Tm)
ISBN: 1512405868
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 52

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Book Description
Description of the career of Lynch (1959) from a young law student to US top legal adviser.

Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.: American

Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.: American PDF Author: Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
Publisher: Smithsonian Institution
ISBN: 1944466037
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 462

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Book Description
Set against the backdrop of twentieth-century America, against the social fabric of segregation and the broad canvas of foreign war, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.: American tells a compelling story of personal achievement against formidable odds. Born into an era when potential was measured according to race, Davis was determined to be judged by his character and deeds—to succeed as an American, and not to fail because of color. With twelve million citizens —the black population of the United States—pulling for him, Davis entered West Point in 1932, resolved to become an officer even though official military directives stated that blacks were decidedly inferior, lacking in courage, superstitious, and dominated by moral and character weaknesses. “Silenced” by his peers, for four years spoken to only in the line of duty, David did not falter. He graduated 35th in a class of 276 and requested assignment to the Army Air Corps, then closed to blacks. He went on to lead the 99th Pursuit Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group—units known today as the Tuskegee Airmen—into air combat over North Africa and Italy during World War II. His performance, and that of his men, enabled the Air Force to integrate years before civilian society confronted segregation. Thereafter, in a distinguished career in the Far East, Europe, and the United States, Davis commanded both black and white units. Davis’s story is interwoven with often painful accounts of the discrimination he and his wife, Agatha, endured as a fact of American military and civilian life. Traveling across the country, unable to find food and lodging, they were often forced to make their way nonstop. Once on base, they were denied use of clubs and, in the early days, were never allowed to attend social activities. Though on-base problems were solved by President Truman’s integration of the military in 1949, conditions in the civilian community continued, eased but not erased by enactment of President Johnson’s legislative program in the 1960s. Overseas, however, where relations were unfettered by racism, the Davises enjoyed numerous friendships within the military and with such foreign dignitaries as President and Madame Chiang Kai-shek. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., retired in 1970 as a three-star general. His autobiography, capturing the fortitude and spirit with which he and his wife met the pettiness of segregation, bears out Davis’s conviction that discrimination—both within the military and in American society—reflects neither this nation’s ideals nor the best use of its human resources.

Into the Tiger's Jaw

Into the Tiger's Jaw PDF Author: Frank E Petersen
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 1612511910
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 307

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Book Description
"Like many 18-year-olds who sign up to serve with the U.S. Navy, Petersen was looking for adventure when he enlisted. The difference between him and the average kid of 1950, when he enlisted, was that Petersen was African American. At the time military opportunities were limited for blacks, so it was remarkable that Petersen, revealed here as an intense go-getter, was admitted to the highly competitive naval aviation cadet program. He would go on to become the first African American pilot, then flag officer, then three-star general in the deeply conservative Marine Corps. Assisted by veteran biographer Phelps, Petersen relates his personal and career trajectory from wide-eyed kid to seasoned combatant. Although the presentation at times is overly detailed, with recollections of Petersen's acquaintances sprinkled liberally throughout. This work offers valuable insight into the evolution of both the military and the society at large through the experience of one man and his family. It's hard not to wince when Petersen describes being stopped for impersonating a military officer at a time when blacks in the service were presumed to be enlisted men. Other anecdotes are more benign, such as the time a puzzled young Korean woman tried to wipe the color from his face. To Petersen's credit, he includes much commentary from his first wife, Ellie, who is candid about the toll of being married to an ambitious pioneer. Through her, readers see the mettle of that rare breed of social groundbreakers." — Publishers Weekly

The Quiet One

The Quiet One PDF Author: Leon L. Haley
Publisher: Fortis Publishing
ISBN: 9780977788477
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 278

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Book Description
Since the early days of the American Republic, African Americans have been active participants in the military history of our nation. However, until the late 1940s, their experiences in the military, for the most part, occurred during the period of racial segregation, which often resulted in their being assigned to non-combat duties. Nevertheless, in spite of their status, they continued to exhibit loyalty to their country and served honorably. Students of American history are familiar with great military leaders whose heroic deeds during the military conflicts of the 19th and 20th centuries have become a part of our historical legacy. Much has been written about them as highly visible symbols of courage and leadership. Yet others, equally deserving remain unknown and have not received the same visibility in terms of public recognition. When I became aware of the life and career of General Roscoe Robinson, Jr., the first United States Army African American four-star general, I was surprised to learn so few people-even among my own generation of African Americans-had ever heard of him. Even in one of the most comprehensive history books about African Americans - From Slavery to Freedom, written by the well-known scholar, John Hope Franklin, Roscoe Robinson is not mentioned. In authoring this biography, I seek to fill this gap in our knowledge of this remarkable man who, from humble beginnings, rose to the pinnacle of military success through perseverance, discipline, and commitment to duty and country. Whenever I write something of an historical nature pertaining to the life and times of African Americans, I am always reminded of the admonition of one of America's most distinguished men of color - William E. B. Du Bois. It was he who-in a presentation in 1898 before the American Academy of Political and Social Science-advanced the notion that understanding black life in America required a systematic assessment of the influence of broad historical, cultural, social, economic, and political forces that shaped the times. There is no way of denying the subject of race in the military. It was an inescapable condition, which has riveted American social, cultural, and political systems before and during Robinson's time in the military. I have tried to convey that circumstance as accurately as possible. Indeed, in many respects, from his early childhood through his retirement years, Robinson lived through one of the most historic periods in race relations in this country - both within and outside the military. Today, men and women of all races make immense sacrifices to serve their country, defend our liberties, and protect our interests around the world; often without the gratitude and recognition, they deserve. It is my firm hope that this book will not only serve as an inspiration to all who read it, especially to the current generation of young African Americans (including my children and grandchildren) about whom General Robinson cared deeply, but that it will enable the readers to develop a greater appreciation for those who serve in the military. About the Author: Leon L. Haley, PhD, is a professor emeritus in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh. Over twenty-five year tenure at the University, he served in a number of capacities, including an Associate Dean, Acting Dean, and a Vice Chancellor for Student and Public Affairs. With African American history as an avocation, in addition to The Quiet One, he is the author of From the Staunton to the Allegheny: an African American Family Journey. Specializing in strategic planning, he now serves as a consultant for nonprofit organizations.