1. Benjamin O. Davis Jr.
General of the Tuskegee Air Men
By:Katherine R. Powell
2. General Benjamin
O. Davis Jr. Of The
Tuskegee Air Men
Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was an astounding man. He
went into WWII to fight for his countrie's freedom,
even though his fellow soldiers did not treat him nicely
dew to horrible racial laws. Thankfully his actions
helped break those racial barriers.
http://www.greatblackheroes.com/government/
benjamin-o-davis-jr/
3. Early Years
Benjamin was born in Washington D.C. on December 18, 1912
to a family of two sisters, a father , and a mother. Unfortunately
his mother died from complications from childbirth 4 years after
Benjamin was born . Two years later Benjamin Sr. married again
to Sadie Overton, an English professor at Wilberforce University.
Sadly Benjamin and his sisters lived with relatives because his
father was finishing up duty in the Philippines. http://
www.greatblackheroes.com/government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
4. His Dream has Begun
When Benjamin was 13 he
went to a barnstorming
exhibition. One of the pilots
there offered to give him a
ride. Benjamin enjoyed it so
much he was determined to
become a pilot.http://
www.greatblackheroes.com/
government/benjamin-odavis-jr/
5. His Journey to His Dream
After high school he went to
college still wanting to become
a pilot so he contacted Illinois
Representative Oscar De
Priest. De Priest sponsored
him a spot in the US Military
Academy. This academy
would test Benjamin's strength
and will to the highest level.
http://
www.greatblackheroes.com/
government/benjamin-odavis-jr/
6. Success!
Benjamin's time in the
Academy was hostile. In the
four years he attended he
graduated 35th in his class of
278. When he received his
commission he became a
second lieutenant. Benjamin
would become the second
African American man in the
US Military.http://
www.greatblackheroes.com/
government/benjamin-odavis-jr/
7. Following his Father's Footsteps
Benjamin tried to apply for the
Army Air Corps unfortunately
he was denied. He later on
decided to follow his father's
footsteps , so he went to
Tuskegee, Alabama to teach at
the Tuskegee Institute. In the
years he would spend there he
move up rank to rank and
finally get to Lieutenant
Colonel. http://
www.greatblackheroes.com/
government/benjamin-odavis-jr/
8. Fighting With Many Reasons
Benjamin's desire to fly still burned
bright , so did other African
Americans. So the Tuskegee Airmen
were created.
Soon the Airmen would be sent into
WW11
They would first go to the German
held island of Pantelleria.
Almost immediately problems started
for Davis. White men complained that
the black men under worked.
http://www.greatblackheroes.com/
government/benjamin-o-davis-jr/
9. Later Years
Benjamin would go on
several missions later in life to
win every battle.
Benjamin's final "promotion"
was to be Lieutenant General
he would retire right after
this promotion in April 1965.
http://
www.greatblackheroes.com/
government/benjamin-odavis-jr/
10. His Legacy
Benjamin passed away on July 4,
2002, one of the most patriotic
holidays in our country.
Because of Benjamin's actions
he broke racial barriers in the
US Military and helped with
segregation all around the
country not just in the Military.
http://
www.greatblackheroes.com/
government/benjamin-o-davisjr/
12. Why I chose
Him
I chose him because seemed interesting to
me and he was a huge inspiration and
role model to what was right and wrong
and how hard you try you can always
accomplish your dreams if you really try.
