Benjamin O. Davis jr. was the first African American graduate from West Point and one of two black officers in the U.S. Military in 1941. He was the commander of the 99th fighter squadron, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen. Davis had to fight the war department committees on behalf of his men to get them newer aircraft, better supplies, as well as the recognition they deserved. The Tuskegee were well decorated African American pilots that flew escort missions in the European theater during the second world war. Davis graduated 35th in his class at West Point and continued on to apply for the army air corps, which denied him based on his race. The army instead sent him to teach military tactics at the Tuskegee Institute, in Alabama. The army would later create an African American flying unit. Davis was in charge of this air group, and he defended his men through adversity. Other senior officers reported the group insufficient for combat, and tried to get them sent home. Davis held conferences and presented his case to the pentagon which allowed the Tuskegee men to continue fighting, sending them to Italy. Throughout the war the Airmen would gain an incredible record while under Davis’ command, with nearly double the downed aircraft compared to the amount of their own lost. After the war Davis continued with his military career flying missions in the Korean war, and eventually becoming a four star general. Davis was recognized with a Silver Star award as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross. He passed away in 2002.