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The ROTC program at Central State University ( Wilberforce University ) was the first of its kind established at a Historically Black University in the country. Rich in tradition and proud of its contributions to Afro-Americans history, the Military Science Department at Central State University has been producing black commissioned officers for nearly a century. The success and longevity of this military institution can be attributed to three Afro-American pioneers, Lieutenant John H. Alex ander, Colonel Charles H. Young, and Brigadier General Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr.

Lieutenant John H. Alexander graduated from West Point on June 12, 1887 . He was the second black to graduate from the Academy. He served on active duty for a little over seven years. His command and staff assignments had carried him to Ohio , Nebraska , the Dakota Territory , and Liberia . He organized the Military Science Department at Wilberforce University , which became the first Historically black college authorized to grant commissions to college students. Lieutenant Alex ander served in the U.S. Army until his death in March 1894.

Colonel Charles H. Young graduated from West Point in 1889. He was the third black to graduate from the Academy. He served on active duty for 33 years (1889-1922). He was the highest ranking black officer during World War I, and the first black officer to hold the rank of colonel. His service included assignments as Military Attaché to Haiti (the first black officer to hold such a position), and Liberia . He was the second officer to hold the position of Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Wilberforce University . His command and staff assignments had carried him to Haiti , the Philippines , and the Republic of Liberia . In January 1922 Colonel Young died. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery .

Brigadier General Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr. entered the military during the war with Spain in 1887, as a temporary first lieutenant. He graduated from Howard University in 1890. He was mustered out in March 1899, and in June 1899, he enlisted as a private in the Regular Army. He moved through the enlisted ranks and on February 2, 1901 , he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Regular Army. He served on active duty for over 50 years from 1898 until 1948. He was the first black officer to be promoted to brigadier general in the regular forces. His service included an assignment as Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Wilberforce University (1905-1909). His command and staff assignments carried him to the Philippine Islands, Europe , and the Republic of Liberia . General Davis' numerous awards and decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Grade of Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa from the Liberian Government, and an honorary degree of LL.D., Atlanta University , Atlanta , Georgia . In 1948 General Davis retired from active duty. He passed away on November 26, 1970.

 

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