Davis, Benjamin Oliver, Jr (1912-2002)

US aviator. He was the first black graduate of West Point 1936, and entered the US air force, completing flight training 1942. He became the first black general in the US air force 1954.

During World War II, he served with distinction in the Mediterranean theatre, organizing the all-black 99th Fighter Squadron. When in 1940 his father, Benjamin O Davis Sr, was promoted to brigadier general, he became the only other black regular officer in the US forces. He retired 1970 after a tour as deputy commander of US Strike Command.