Entered Service: Appointed to U.S. Military Academy,
1873
In 1877, Henry Flipper became the first African American to graduate
from the U.S Military Academy. He was commissioned second
lieutenant and assigned to the 10th Cavalry Unit. Although
Flipper became the first African-American Army officer, his military
career was brief. In 1882, he was a part of a controversial dismissal
for "conduct
unbecoming an officer and a gentlemen" following questionable
charges of embezzling funds. Throughout his civilian life,
Flipper maintained that he was innocent of the charges.
Following his death in 1940, his family and supporters continued
the fight to clear his name. In 1999, President William Clinton
pardoned Lieutenant Henry O. Flipper, recognizing the error and
acknowledging the lifetime accomplishments of this American Soldier.