C2701

Black Heritage

Brig. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. - U. S. Army

Collins Cover Announcement 

General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr.

A realistic battle scene from the World War I front serves as the backdrop for my portrait cachet of General Davis, the first Black to obtain that rank in the Armed Services of the United States. A large artillery gun has just fired a shell across the barren desolation of "No-Man's Land" between the opposing armies. A group of Dough-Boys in their distinctive helmets and leggings cluster around the big weapon. A battle scene such as this really lends itself to hand painting, and this is one you need to experience first-hand.

Portrait art is a wonderful use of watercolor expression and a large representration of the General is a component of the cachet. It shows Davis in his mid-career years in period uniform complete with medals and ribbons. It is based on an early photo of him and is quite handsome and impressive. He began his military service in 1898 as a private in the Army and served for an incredible 50 years. During this time the U.S. fought the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II as well as smaller military actions throughout the world. Davis served in Europe, Mexico, the Philippines as well as in Liberia where he was the Military Attache. A proud moment occurred in 1944 when General Davis pinned the Distinguished Flying Cross on the uniform of his son, Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Commander of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Carrying on a family legacy, the younger Davis went on to become America's first Black Three Star General.

The stamp features the General on an inspection tour near the American front in France in 1944. This is an exceptionaly nice COLLINS First Day Cover, and it honors an exceptional American who was a credit to his country. The very first Black American General - Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr. Item #C2701. $11.75.

First Day of Issue