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PHOTOCOPIED October 2, 2002; NASM PRESERVATION COPY

[[newspaper clipping]]
Air Force Gets Negro General

Washington, Oct. 27 (AP).—President today named the first Negro Air Force general. He is Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr., a 41-year-old native of Washington now serving as director of operations and training of the Far East Air Forces.

Davis, son of Brig. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, retired, was promoted from colonel to the temporary rank of brigadier general under the President's directive. His father was the first of his race to become an Army general.

A 1936 graduate of West Point, the new Air Force general flew 60 combat missions as a World War II pilot, serving in Italy as commander of the 332d Fighter Group.

Since then he has held a number of high positions, including the post of commander of Lockbourne Army Air Base, Columbus, Ohio.

His citations include the Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air medal with four Oak eLaf Clusters. He has held the permanent rank of colonel since July 27, 1950.
[[/newspaper clipping]]