Lt. Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Named Commander of the First African-American Air Combat Unit

Benjamin O. Davis Jr. led the Tuskegee airmen during World War II in air combat over North Africa and Italy and long-range bomber escort missions over Nazi Germany.

Davis led the 99th and later the 332nd Fighter Group in Europe during World War II. His inspired and disciplined leadership played a major role in the Tuskegee Airmen’s success. Under Davis, the 332nd escorted American bombers in missions over the Mediterranean and central Europe.

Benjamin O. Davis Jr. speaks to the pilots and airmen of the 99th Fighter Squadron.