June Carter Cash
Musical Monikers
Madonna
Justin Bieber
My Ghost Story
I Survived
Babe Ruth
Johnny Cash
Georgia O'Keefe
I Survived
1 photo
Quick Facts
- NAME: Henry Ossian Flipper
- OCCUPATION: Military Leader
- BIRTH DATE: March 21, 1856
- DEATH DATE: May 03, 1940
- EDUCATION: United States Military Academy at West Point
- PLACE OF BIRTH: Thomasville, Georgia
- PLACE OF DEATH: Atlanta, Georgia
- Full Name: Henry Ossian Flipper
- AKA: Henry O. Flipper
- AKA: Henry Flipper
Best Known For
Henry Ossian Flipper was the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point. As second lieutenant with the 10th Cavalry, he was framed for embezzlement.
Quiz
Think you know about Biography?
Answer questions and see how you rank against other players.
Play NowHenry Ossian Flipper. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved 04:36, May 23, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/henry-ossian-flipper-541614.
Henry Ossian Flipper. [Internet]. 2013. The Biography Channel website. Available from: http://www.biography.com/people/henry-ossian-flipper-541614 [Accessed 23 May 2013].
"Henry Ossian Flipper." 2013. The Biography Channel website. May 23 2013, 04:36 http://www.biography.com/people/henry-ossian-flipper-541614.
"Henry Ossian Flipper," The Biography Channel website, 2013, http://www.biography.com/people/henry-ossian-flipper-541614 [accessed May 23, 2013].
"Henry Ossian Flipper," The Biography Channel website, http://www.biography.com/people/henry-ossian-flipper-541614 (accessed May 23, 2013).
Henry Ossian Flipper [Internet]. The Biography Channel website; 2013 [cited 2013 May 23] Available from: http://www.biography.com/people/henry-ossian-flipper-541614.
Henry Ossian Flipper, http://www.biography.com/people/henry-ossian-flipper-541614 (last visited May 23, 2013).
Henry Ossian Flipper. The Biography Channel website. 2013. Available at: http://www.biography.com/people/henry-ossian-flipper-541614. Accessed May 23, 2013.
Synopsis
Henry Ossian Flipper was born on March 21, 1856, in Thomasville, Georgia. In 1877, Flipper became the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point. From 1878 to 1880, he served as a second lieutenant with the 10th Cavalry. In 1881, Flipper's commanding officer accused him of embezzlement. He was acquitted, but was dishonorably discharged in 1882. Flipper died on May 3, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia. Decades later, in 1976,
it was revealed that officers had framed him.
Early Life
African-American military leader Henry Ossian Flipper was born on March 21, 1856, in Thomasville, Georgia. Flipper attended Atlanta University where he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Though he was not the first African-American attendee at the school, he became the first black person to graduate in 1877. After he graduated, Flipper wrote Colored Cadet at West Point in 1878.
Dishonorable Discharge
Following his graduation, Flipper received his commission as second lieutenant, and became the first black officer in the U.S. Army. In 1878, he was assigned to the Black 10th Cavalry Regiment. In November 1881, in an apparent racial incident, he was accused by his white commanding officer of embezzling funds. Although he was acquitted of the charges, he was dishonorably discharged in 1882.
Death, Honorable Discharge and Legacy
Flipper tried unsuccessfully to vindicate himself for many years thereafter. He died on May 3, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia. Thirty-six years after his death, in 1976, it was revealed that officers had framed him. President Bill Clinton posthumously granted Flipper an honorable discharge in 1999, and on the 100th anniversary of his graduation, West Point unveiled a bust to honor the former graduate.
© 2013 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.
profile name: Henry Ossian Flipper profile occupation:
Your Connections
Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.
Profile Connections
Included In These Groups
-
Famous Military Veterans
View groupAmerica wouldn't be what it is today without Hollywood, and it certainly wouldn't be the same without its armed forces. Military veterans make the ultimate contribution to society—they put their lives on the line for their country. Since the nation's founding, the dedication and bravery of soldiers has been the a key pillar on which the United States stands. From Revolutionary War heroes to Vietnam veterans, here's a look at famous military veterans.
Famous Military Veterans 211 people in this group
-
Names We Like
View groupSometimes a person's name just rolls off your tongue is such a satisfying way, you can't help but say it again—especially when you see it in the headlines day after day. Here is a collection of some of our favorites.
Names We Like 23 people in this group
-
Famous Arians 535 people in this group
