People, Locations, Episodes

Fri, 02.23.1979

The American Marine Corps Promotes its First Black General

Frank E. Peterson

*On this date in 1979, the first Black man was promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Lt. General Frank E. Petersen, from Topeka, Kansas, was honored in Quantico, Virginia. Peterson spent 38 years in the Corp. He also holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from George Washington University. He retired from the Corp in 1988.

To Have a Military Career

New Poem Each Day

Poetry Corner

The sale began-young girls were there, Defenseless in their wretchedness, Whose stifled sobs of deep despair Revealed their anguish and distress. And Mothers stood with streaming eyes, And saw their dearest children... THE SLAVE AUCTION by Frances E. W. Harper.
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