Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
- Oil on canvas
- 18.5 x 22.5 in (framed)
- Robert E. Tanner
The Tuskegee Airmen portraits were a gift to the Supreme Court of Ohio from the artist, Robert E. Tanner, in 2008. The five oil paintings are part of a 10-part body of work by the Delaware County artist. Robert Tanner combined his respect for the Tuskegee Airmen, his love of aviation, and his artistic talents to create the series of portraits showing the faces of men who helped change history. Tanner donated the paintings to the Supreme Court of Ohio in the hope the public would view them and remember a group of men who fought for the United States and contributed to the historic social change toward racial equality in America.
Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was born Dec. 19, 1912, in Washington, D.C. His father was a lieutenant colonel in a strictly segregated area of the Tuskegee Institute. At the Western Reserve University, Davis majored in mathematics, although he wanted to be an aviator. In 1931, he was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and was ordered to report to the 24th Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. Early in 1941, Davis was ordered to command one of the first all African American flying units, the 99th Fighter Squadron, which was first established as the 99th Pursuit Squadron. In addition, Davis served as base commander at Lockbourne Army Air Base, Ohio. In December 1998, President Bill Clinton awarded Davis his fourth star, elevating him to the rank of full general.
- Framed: 18.5 x 22.5 in
- Subject Matter: Portrait
- Created: 2007
- Current Location: Floor 2 - Dining Room
- Collections: Contemporary Art, Paintings, The Tuskegee Airmen Portraits