Profiles of Bravery
2nd Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper
1877: First black cadet to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy
Flipper was the first African-American to be commissioned in the Army, or any other branch of the U.S. military and became the first African-American officer to command African-American Soldiers when he assumed command of Troop A, 10th Calvary Regiment, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, at Fort Sill, Okla. Before Flipper took command, all African-American units were commanded by white officers.
Center of Military History: Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper Go back to profiles