Benjamin O. Davis Sr
Roderick Ervin
Benjemin O. Davis Sr
Davis' military decorations included the Bronze Star Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal. His DSM, awarded by General Order 10, dated Feb. 22, 1945, stated that Gen.
Davis was awarded the DSM "for exceptional meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility from June 1941 to November 1944 as an inspector of troop units in the field, and as special War Department consultant on matters pertaining to Negro troops." (
"ARMY.MIL, The Official Homepage of the United States Army." African-American 'firsts' Key to Army History. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2016.
This year, the nation celebrates the election of President Barack H. Obama, the country's first African-American president and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. This significant first for the nation was built on the foundation of many great African-American leaders throughout history.
Timing had much to do with Johnson's success in the military as she entered the Army shortly after President Harry Truman banned segregation and discrimination in the armed services.