32c Benjamin O. Davis Sr. stamp

On October 25, 1940, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. (1877-1970) became the first African-American general in U.S. History. Davis distinguished himself in a long military career that started as a volunteer in the Spanish-American War. As Brigadier General he was instrumental in changing the military's policies on segregation and instituted a proposal to retain African American service troops as combat soldiers.

The stamp was issued on January 28, 1997, in Washington, DC. Designed by Richard Sheaff of Norwood, Massachusetts, the stamp features an image of Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., on an inspection tour near the American front in France in August 1944. It was printed by the Banknote Corporation of America in the offset process

This stamp is part of the Black Heritage Stamp Series. Initiated in 1978, the USPS continues to issue a stamp featuring a notable Black American every February in conjunction with Black History Month and at other times during the year.

Reference: Postal Bulletin (January 2, 1997).

Scott Catalogue USA: 3121
mint

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Museum ID: 1998.2008.506