Viewing page 24 of 87

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[preprinted]]
BRIGADIER GENERAL BENJAMIN O. DAVIS, U.S.A. (RET.)
1721 S STREET, N.W. 
WASHINGTON 9, D.C. 
[[/preprinted]]

28 Oct 54.

Dear BO: 

[[underlined]] CONGRATULATIONS. [[/underlined]]  Yesterday around noon The Pentagon called me and said: "As of noon today, your son, Colonel B. O. Davis, Jr. becomes a Brigadier General in the Air Forces." I thought it was nice of them to advise me before issuing the statement to the public. 

Our bridge foursome was meeting at 1228 S Street, N. W., with Mrs. Ferguson. The newspaper folks located me. They wanted some pictures; etc. They called for me there, drove me home, interviewed me, and took pictures of me holding a picture of [[strikethrough]] me [[/strikethrough]] ^[[you]]. You made the front page of the STAR last night, and this morning in the Post appeared in the local news section a large picture of me holding a picture of you. The picture in the Star was the latest one sent from Korea. The bridge game was broken up. The three ladies played Bolivia. All afternoon and into the night and beginning this morning the telephone has been ringing. At one time at home there were three reporters and three photographers at [[strikethrough]] home [[/strikethrough] ^[[the same time]]. In the background the picture taken of me as a Colonel about 1936 and the picture of Elnora as a little girl show up well. 

I cannot tell you how happy we are. Several of your former comrades have called asking for your address. We are indeed a fortunate family. Two Generals in the family. The reporters asked if I cared to comment on the probability of your ranking me. I told them that I would be greatly disappointed if you didn't. That I felt that if you didn't I would feel that I had failed in guiding your preparation for life. Mother Sadie and Aunt Nonnie are as happy as I am. Thalia called Tuesday to say that her office had been advised that the President had just signed the nomination and that it would be released to the Press the following day. 

Your letter of the 20th, arrived Monday, and as usual we were glad to hear from you. I am too full for further comment. Again let me ask you to accept our CONGRATULATIONS. With love and good wishes to agatha and you, I am, 

Lovingly, 

[[signature]] Dad. [[/signature]]