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PHOTOCOPIED October 1, 2002; NASM PRESERVATION COPY

[[insertion]] Washington Star Jan 7, 1953
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[[news article]]
Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Becomes Wing Commander

Korean Assignment Is Highest AF Post Ever Given Negro

Col. Benjamin O. Davis, jr., veteran combat pilot of the North African and Italian campaigns in World War II, is now commanding the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing in Korea.

It is the highest combat post ever held by a Negro in the Air Force and already has stirred conjecture on possibility of his attaining one-star rank.

Col. Davis is the son of retired Brig. Gen. B. O. Davis, 1721 S. street N.W.

As early as last September, the Army-Navy-Air Force Journal said Col. Davis "is in a favorable spot on the promotion list for early consideration" and said he might be nominated to the Senate during the up-coming session of Congress.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy in 1936, he became a pilot in 1942 and within months was commanding a fighter squadron in North 
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[[image - photo of Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., in uniform with hat]] 
[[caption]] COL. BENJAMIN DAVIS. [[/caption]]

Africa and Sicily. In 1944 his 332nd Fighter Group was flying cover for long-range, heavy bombers.

He completed a course at the Air War College in June, 1950, and spent three years at the  Pentagon. Col. Davis took combat crew training before going to Korea early last November to take over the 51st Wing.

He holds the Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four Clusters, Commendation ribbon, Star of Africa and the Croix de Guerre.

His wife, Agatha, now lives in Los Angeles.

His father retired in 1948 after 50 years of active service in the Army.

[[/news article]]