United States Army Officer. In 1877, he became the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and was also the first black to be assigned to a command position in the army. He received a controversial dishonorable discharge and died before getting a chance to clear his record. Years later, the decision was reversed and Flipper was given a reburial with military honors. As a civilian, Flipper worked in the United States Justice Department. He was fluent in Spanish and was able to save thousands of acres of disputed land in the Southwest territory. He also published translations of Spanish and Mexican law that continue to be used as references.
United States Army Officer. In 1877, he became the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and was also the first black to be assigned to a command position in the army. He received a controversial dishonorable discharge and died before getting a chance to clear his record. Years later, the decision was reversed and Flipper was given a reburial with military honors. As a civilian, Flipper worked in the United States Justice Department. He was fluent in Spanish and was able to save thousands of acres of disputed land in the Southwest territory. He also published translations of Spanish and Mexican law that continue to be used as references.
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