Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr. (July 1, 1877 – November 26, 1970) – the first American black general to participate in the Battle of France.
On July 13, 1898, Benjamin O. Davis joined the ranks of the interim first lieutenant of the 8th United States Infantry Volunteer Regiment. But in May 1899 he was rejected for service in the infantry, and in July of that year he entered the service in the 9th Cavalry Regiment of the US Army. On October 25, 1940, Benjamin Oliver Davis was the first black American to receive the rank of Brigadier General. From July 1941 to November 1944, he was Special Inspector for Blacks in the United States Army.
Benjamin Oliver Davis photo source: National Archives and Records Administration.
Location: France
Photo Time: August 8, 1944