White House Press Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 20, 1948 The President today presented a scroll to Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, upon his retirement after fifty years' service in the United States Army. The Presentation read: BENJAMIN O. DAVIS It is a genuine pleasure to sign this special testimonial of the admiration and esteem of your host of Army comrades. You are one of the select few who have devoted a half century in the active military service to the defense of the United States of America and the ideals of freedom and justice for which this country stands. You have exemplified by your distinguished accomplishments in places of great trust and responsibility, too numerous to recount here, all that is best in a soldier of the highest type. /s/ HARRY S. TRUMAN President of the United States KENNETH C. ROYALL Secretary of the Army OMAR N. BRADLEY Chief of Staff NARA Benjamin 0. Davis was born in Washington, D. C., on July 1, 1877. He entered the military service on July 13, 1898, during the War with Spain, as a temporary first lieutenant of the 8th United States Infantry. He was mustered out on March 6, 1899, and on June 4, 1899, enlisted as a private in Troop "I", 9th Cavalry, of the Regular Army. He then served as corporal and squadron sergeant-major, and on February 2, 1901, was commissioned second lieutenant, Cavalry, Regular Army. His first service as commissioned officer was in the Philippine Islands with the 9th Cavalry. In August, 1901, he was transferred to the 10th Cavalry, and returned from the Philippines with that organization to serve as Adjutant at Fort Washakie, Wyoming. In 1905, he was appointed professor of military science and tactics at Wilberforce University, Ohio, remaining there until 1909. From 1909 to 1912, he served as Military Attache to Monrovia, Liberia. He rejoined the 9th Cavalry in 1912 at Fort Russell (now Fort Warren), Wyoming, and served with his regiment on border patrol duty until 1915, when he was again assigned to Wilberforce Unicersity as military science instructor. In the summer of 1917 he was assigned to the 9th Cavalry at Camp Stotsenburg, in the Philippines. He returned to the United States in July, 1920, and was assigned as professor of military science and tactics at Tuskegee Institute,Alabama, where he remained until 1942, when he became Instructor of the 372nd Infantry, Ohio National Guard. In July, 1929, he returned to Wilberforce University for one year, and then was detailed on special duty with Department of State in connection with affairs relating to the Republic of Liberia. He returned to Tuskegee Institute in 1931 and remained there until 1937 when he was agan transferred to Wilberforce/University. In 1938 he was assigned as instructor and commanding officer of the 369th Infantry, New York National Guard, later redesignated 369th Coast Artillery Regiment. In January, 1941, he was ordered to Fort Riley, Kansas, for duty as a Brigade Commander with the 2nd Cavalry Division. General Davis was retired as a Regular Army Colonel on July 31, 1941, and recalled to active duty the following day as Assistant to the Inspector General.