Benjamin O. Davis Jr.
A pioneering Air Force general who broke the color barrier in the skies, leading the legendary Tuskegee Airmen to wartime glory.
1912–2002 (age 90)·World War II pilot & first African-American US Air Force general officer·Birthday: December 18·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was born to break barriers. The son of the Army's first African American general, he faced a military establishment steeped in prejudice. Denied entry to West Point's social life, he endured silent treatment from cadets for four years, graduating in 1936 with a steely resolve. When the Army Air Corps created a segregated unit for Black pilots, Davis was tasked with leading the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the core of the Tuskegee Airmen. He molded them into a disciplined, formidable force, flying combat missions in Europe and famously never losing a bomber they escorted to enemy fighters. After the war, his leadership helped push the Air Force toward integration. In 1954, he became its first Black general, a testament to a lifetime of excellence in the face of profound resistance.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Benjamin was born in 1912, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Benjamin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1912
Benjamin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1912Born
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1917Started school
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1925Became a teenager
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Could drive
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1930Could vote
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Turned 21
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1942Turned 30
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 40
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 50
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 60
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 70
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 80
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Died at 90
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
Key Achievements
- Commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen, whose exemplary record helped dismantle military segregation.
- Became the first African American general in the United States Air Force upon his promotion in 1954.
- Awarded the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat leadership and skill as a pilot.
- Played a crucial role in planning and executing the integration of the U.S. Air Force in the late 1940s.
Did You Know?
He was one of only five African American cadets at West Point during his time there, and the only one in his class.
He later served as director of civil aviation security, helping to establish the Federal Air Marshal program.
He retired as a three-star lieutenant general, but was posthumously advanced to the rank of general in 2020.
His father, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., was the first African American brigadier general in the U.S. Army.
“The privileges of being an American belong to those brave enough to fight for them.”
