Some interesting, and perhaps little known facts about African-Americans (blacks) in the US Military:

Cathay Williams: first African-American woman to enlist in US Army. She enrolled on 15th November 1866 using the name William Cathay. An Army surgeon examined her and determined that she’s fit for duty, even though U.S. Army regulations at that time did not allow the enlistment of women. She was assigned to the 38th U.S. Infantry and was hospitalised at least 5 times. Amazingly, no one ever discovered she was a female. She was given a “disability discharge” after less than two years of service. The exact medical reasons are unknown, although, based on her image above, it shouldn’t be about her weight, since she doesn’t look like she needed to work out how to reduce body fat.

Lieutenant Henry Ossian Flipper: first African-American to graduate from West Point, the elite US military academy. Entered the Academy in 1873, graduated in 1877. He was commissioned second lieutenant and assigned to the 10th Cavalry Unit. Unfortunately, 5 years later he was controversially dismissed for “conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentlemen” following questionable charges of embezzling funds. Throughout his life afterwards, he maintained his innocence. He died in 1940. Almost 60 years after his death, President Clinton granted him a presidential pardon.

Brigadier General Benjamin O Davis, Sr: first African-American to achieve the rank of General. Entering the military in 1898, 42 years later (1940) he became the first black General Officer in the history of the U.S. Army earning the rank of brigadier general.
Source
goarmy.com
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