Description
Book SynopsisThe first black to graduate from West Point in the twentieth century, Davis led the all-black Tuskeegee Airmen in World War II and retired a three-star general. His autobiography both chronicles the life of a great American and provides an incisive account of race relations in the segregated and desegrated military.
Trade ReviewBy any standards, this is a fine autobiography ... must reading for anyone interested in race relations or American military history. Review Of Higher Education This moving autobiography, written with understated passion and without rancor, describes the appalling ostracism the author endured as a cadet and young officer and the positive changes after World War II that opened opportunity to all officers... Foreign Affairs This book provides valuable insight on many levels. It is military history, aviation history, and a chapter in the history of science and technology. It is also a poignant essay on social changes full of vivid recollections of human courage and tragedy. In the final analysis, this is the story of a military pilot who led his men and his country on one of the greatest 'freedom rides' of all time. In Flight A revealing look at race relations from the point of view of a gifted, uncompromising military man. Publishers Weekly Highly recommended. School Library Journal In his autobiography, [Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.,] breaks the silence he maintained while in uniform... His personal story should come as a revelation to many who may not be fully aware of the long history of prejudice in all the military branches. [The book] illustrates the life of a genuine hero. The New York Times Davis, a man of much dignity and reserve, has not written a kiss-and-tell book. He provides personal experience with discretion... A solid autobiography. Aerospace Power Journal
Table of ContentsChapter 1 1. First Flight Chapter 2 2. Silence Chapter 3 3. The Real World Chapter 4 4. The Experiment Chapter 5 5. Under Fire Chapter 6 6. The Red Tails Chapter 7 7. Integration Chapter 8 8. Indoctrination Chapter 9 9. Respect Chapter 10 10. Citizens of te World Chapter 11 11. Little America Chapter 12 12. Manpower Chapter 13 13. Affairs of State Chapter 14 14. Courtesy Chapter 15 15. Strike Command Chapter 16 16. Politics Chapter 17 17. Piracy Chapter 18 18. Transportation Chapter 19 19. Mr. 55 Chapter 20 20. Free Time Chapter 21 21. West Point Revisited
