Description
The first black to graduate from West Point in the twentieth century, Davis led the all-black Tuskeegee Airmen in World War II and retired a three-star general. His autobiography both chronicles the life of a great American and provides an incisive account of race relations in the segregated and desegrated military.
About the Author
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., began his military career in 1936. He was awarded many medals for his service, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Croix de Guerre, and three Distinguished Service Medals, Army and Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force in 1970 with three stars, he held several government posts. In 1998 he was awarded an honorary promotion to the rank of four-star general.
Reviews
By any standards, this is a fine autobiography ... must reading for anyone interested in race relations or American military history. Review Of Higher Education This moving autobiography, written with understated passion and without rancor, describes the appalling ostracism the author endured as a cadet and young officer and the positive changes after World War II that opened opportunity to all officers... Foreign Affairs This book provides valuable insight on many levels. It is military history, aviation history, and a chapter in the history of science and technology. It is also a poignant essay on social changes full of vivid recollections of human courage and tragedy. In the final analysis, this is the story of a military pilot who led his men and his country on one of the greatest 'freedom rides' of all time. In Flight A revealing look at race relations from the point of view of a gifted, uncompromising military man. Publishers Weekly Highly recommended. School Library Journal In his autobiography, [Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.,] breaks the silence he maintained while in uniform... His personal story should come as a revelation to many who may not be fully aware of the long history of prejudice in all the military branches. [The book] illustrates the life of a genuine hero. The New York Times Davis, a man of much dignity and reserve, has not written a kiss-and-tell book. He provides personal experience with discretion... A solid autobiography. Aerospace Power Journal
Book Information
ISBN 9781560983958
Author Benjamin O. Davis
Format Paperback
Page Count 442
Imprint Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press
Publisher Smithsonian Books
Weight(grams) 760g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 153mm * 25mm
About the Author
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., began his military career in 1936. He was awarded many medals for his service, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Croix de Guerre, and three Distinguished Service Medals, Army and Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force in 1970 with three stars, he held several government posts. In 1998 he was awarded an honorary promotion to the rank of four-star general.
Reviews
By any standards, this is a fine autobiography ... must reading for anyone interested in race relations or American military history. Review Of Higher Education This moving autobiography, written with understated passion and without rancor, describes the appalling ostracism the author endured as a cadet and young officer and the positive changes after World War II that opened opportunity to all officers... Foreign Affairs This book provides valuable insight on many levels. It is military history, aviation history, and a chapter in the history of science and technology. It is also a poignant essay on social changes full of vivid recollections of human courage and tragedy. In the final analysis, this is the story of a military pilot who led his men and his country on one of the greatest 'freedom rides' of all time. In Flight A revealing look at race relations from the point of view of a gifted, uncompromising military man. Publishers Weekly Highly recommended. School Library Journal In his autobiography, [Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.,] breaks the silence he maintained while in uniform... His personal story should come as a revelation to many who may not be fully aware of the long history of prejudice in all the military branches. [The book] illustrates the life of a genuine hero. The New York Times Davis, a man of much dignity and reserve, has not written a kiss-and-tell book. He provides personal experience with discretion... A solid autobiography. Aerospace Power Journal
Book Information
ISBN 9781560983958
Author Benjamin O. Davis
Format Paperback
Page Count 442
Imprint Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press
Publisher Smithsonian Books
Weight(grams) 760g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 153mm * 25mm
