John Davis was an African-American World War I veteran. He was born on January 30, 1892 in Brooklyn, New York. His father, John Davis Sr., was a messenger from Ohio. His mother, Alice Davis, was from New York. Davis was the youngest of four total children in their New York home, which they shared with his grandfather, James F. Thomas. At 18 years old, he began working as an elevator boy in an apartment house. On August 6, 1916, Davis enlisted in the U.S. Army Co. E 369 Infantry from Brooklyn, New York. He served overseas during this time. He was honorably discharged on July 19, 1919. He enlisted again in the 10th Cavalry on September 22, 1920. He was discharged in Arizona on September 21, 1923, ranking as a Private both times. He then enlisted for a third time in the 10th Cavalry on September 22, 1923 in Arizona. He was discharged on September 21, 1926 in Arizona, ranking as a musician. Davis enlisted for a fourth and final time in the 10th Cavalry on September 22, 1926. He was discharged on April 18, 1928 in Arizona, which was his place of residence. After his service, Davis lived with his sister, her husband, and their three sons, as well as a boarder. He then moved to Los Angeles, California with his wife, Adele Davis. John Davis passed away on April 1, 1955 in Los Angeles, California. His headstone has a Christian Latin Cross emblem, indicating that Davis followed a Protestant Christian faith throughout his life.


This biography was researched and written by students as part of the Digital Veterans Legacy Project at Loyola Marymount University, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration.

JOHN HENRY DAVIS

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