Sergeant William Carney became the first African-American to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery while serving during the Civil War.

Cathay Williams became the first African-American female to enlist in the Army, though she actually enlisted under the name William Cathay and was thought to be a male.

In 1873, Henry O. Flipper entered the U.S. Military Academy and became the first African American to graduate from the academy in 1877.

Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. became the first African-American Army General Officer in 1940. Later investigating the discrimination and racial disturbances of the military.

Following his years of military service, Colin L. Powell was appointed to the position of Secretary of State in 1990, becoming the first African American to serve at that level of government.

CSM Michele S. Jones became the first female Command Sergeant Major of the Army Reserve, the highest enlisted rank of the Army Reserve, a position she still holds.

CSM Evelyn Hollis made history in April 2004 when she became the first female command sergeant major of a combat arms unit.

BG Vincent K. Brooks became known as "the face of the U.S. military" during Operation Enduring Freedom while holding the position of spokesman for U.S. Army Central Command in Qatar in 2003.