Who became the first black American to achieve the rank of four-star general?

The first black American to achieve the rank of four-star general is Daniel "Chappie" James. His promotion to this rank in 1975 marked a significant milestone in U.S. military history, as he broke racial barriers and paved the way for future African American officers in the armed forces. James had a distinguished military career, having served in various capacities during critical conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His achievements and leadership have had a lasting impact on the military, making him a notable figure in both military history and civil rights.

While Colin Powell, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., and Charles Bolden are also significant figures in U.S. military history, they reached their respective ranks or positions after James. Powell later became the first African American Secretary of State, Davis was a prominent general and pioneer, and Bolden served as NASA Administrator, but it was Chappie James who first achieved the milestone of a four-star general.