[April 4, 2016] I’m a believer that leaders are made, not born, and, I’m a firm believer that the best leaders are made in the crucible of fire. That fire can be combat or any other high-level emergency or challenge that is overcome. Leaders who survive it are all the better for the experience. And so it is with Benjamin O. Davis Jr. who commanded the original Tuskegee African-American squadron during World War II.
Prior to WWII, the U.S. Army created the Tuskegee Institute and airfield at Tuskegee, Alabama where an “experimental” African-American air squadron would train.1 The Army chose Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr. He was a strict disciplinarian who encouraged his pilots to combat racism by proving their merit in skillful flying and combat capabilities. Later he would add that showing valor and courage in battle would overcome racism.
What the squadron didn’t have was experience and also any history. This was a time in America that being black meant many barriers would prevent even the best from advancing in commerce or government. Davis’ commander complained that the unit wasn’t aggressive enough in combat and lacked discipline. This was and still is a serious charge against any unit or its commander. It meant that the unit would be suspended. However, Davis pleaded their case and it remained in service throughout the war.2
Davis was only one of two black combat officers during WWII in the U.S. Army and a graduate of West Point Military Academy. Despite his career being stunted by racial segregation, he rose to the occasion despite the obstacles. He was opposed to the practice as harmful to black soldiers and wasteful to the country. Because of his performance and that of the Tuskegee airmen during the war, the U.S. military Chief of Staff removed the racial barrier and the U.S. Air Force would later become the first to integrate racially. Davis would eventually be promoted to the rank of general, the first African-American to have this honor.
I’ve personally had the honor of meeting many World War II veterans and several “Tuskegee” airmen who fought during the war. They tell me of their comrades lost in combat, how they were scared but did their duty anyway, and how proud they are of having served the United States and with Benjamin Davis. Never did any complain about anything. I knew, of course, that they had many obstacles to overcome from the U.S. Army Air Corps but also from discrimination. Yet they only talked about honor, service, and country.
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- The U.S. Army Air Force would not be created until 1947.
- http://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/executive-order-99811.htm