Tuskegee Airmen leader Davis dies

CNN.com ^ | July 6, 2002 | AP

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the leader of the famed all-black Tuskegee Airmen during World War II and the first black general in the Air Force, has died.

Davis, who was 89 and suffered from Alzheimer's disease, died Thursday at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Sad news. Here's to a man who made things happen without screaming victim (like leaders now) but through hard work and never giving up against almost impossible odds. A good lesson for all of us.

[RJCogburn]

Yes, I read his autobiography a few years ago. A good man.

[Taxman]

General Davis was a true American hero, in more ways than one.

Rest in Peace, General. We are all beneficiaries of your service to America.

[mhking]

Black conservative ping

If you want on (or off) of my black conservative ping list, please let me know via FREEPmail. (And no, you don't have to be black to be on the list!)

[G.Mason]

That makes two great Americans that died on this day and no doubt more we aren't aware of......Ted Williams and Benjamin O. Davis Jr.

Thank you both and God bless.

Benjamin O. Davis Jr.

Ted Williams

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

[Bahbah]

Rest in peace with the Lord. You earned it and your country is a better place for you.

[isthisnickcool]

R.I.P.

[Thane_Banquo]

More than a good man. A hero who fought for his country. May he rest in peace.

[Moose4]

Y'know, the modern-day whiners in the NAACP could learn a lot from the Tuskeegee Airmen. They went through racism worse than anything these modern-day "black activists" ever dreamed of. And after scratching and clawing their way up the ladder to become pilots--something that people at the time were convinced that black people didn't have the intelligence to do--what was their reward? To get shot at! :)

The 332nd Fighter Group never lost a single bomber that they escorted to enemy fighters. Not one. I believe no other fighter group in the USAAF in WWII could make that claim.

So maybe Queasy and Je$$e and Revund Al and the rest should hold up these men as what the black youth of America should aspire to, instead of themselves.

Salute, General Davis. Go with God.

}:-)4

[dread78645]

Sad news indeed. A hero from when "hero" meant something.
RIP

[norton]

Two fine and heroic men, both passing and leaving lesser men in their place.

However, note that:
Davis remained in public service as long as he was needed and carried a fine tradition from his father.
Williams is always pictured hitting a baseball, he also fought two wars that I am sure he could have avoided, taking five years from a profitable career.
[More recently I seem to remember a USNI graduate who was stationed his entire Navy 'career' 20 miles away from the pro football team he played for while still in uniform - see a contrast there?]

[Jonah Hex]

A good, decent man.

[usconservative]

Sadly, Gen. Benjamain Davis is a man from a time past. A Generation of honesty, decency, hard work, and courage through adversity.

His passing is a great loss to this country. He represented all that is right with this country, when one works through the challenges facing them, and overcomes them with grace and dignity.

He is an example to be emulated by all. RIP, General Davis.

[usconservative]

The 332nd Fighter Group never lost a single bomber that they escorted to enemy fighters. Not one. I believe no other fighter group in the USAAF in WWII could make that claim.

You are correct. The Tuskegee Airman never lost a bomber and they are the ONLY WWII figher group to be able to make that claim.

Their courage and determination is truly something to behold. I don't remember if it was Discovery Channel or History Channel that ran a very well done documentary of the Tuskegee Airman. Be on the lookout for it though, I hope with Davis' passing they'll re-run it.

[dighton]

A great man, like his father.

Rest in peace.

[Rebelbase]

Big bump for your #10.

[mlibertarianj]

I believe also Gen. Davis went through incredible racism, at West Point, when the corps of cadets, tried to shun him through silent harrassment, Davis threw it back at their faces by graduating, and serving his country. In the today's world of rap acts, egotisitcal athletes, worthless political hacks and race baitors, Gen Benjamin O. Davis is a giant. Rest in Peace! Sir! You honored our country and you honored your people! I thank you!

[stand watie]

LTG Davis was a GREAT man! sadly, there are NONE to replace those of his sort!

for a FREE dixie,sw

[G.Mason]

"[More recently I seem to remember a USNI graduate who was stationed his entire Navy 'career' 20 miles away from the pro football team he played for while still in uniform - see a contrast there?]"

Yes, I sure do.