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News | Feb. 13, 2014

Throwback Thursday: Colonel Charles Young, America’s First African American Military Attaché.

By DIA Public Affairs

DIA recognizes Black History Month on this #Throwback Thursday with a WWII era rendering by the Office of War Information honoring the service of Colonel Charles Young, America’s First African American Military Attaché.  A 1889 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Colonel Young served in many high level positions in his distinguished Army career to include his positions as  Military Attaché in both Haiti & Liberia.  

The Defense Attaché System, part of DIA since 1965, supports overt human intelligence collection activities and military cooperation efforts worldwide.  Serving at Defense Attaché Offices co-located at U.S. Embassies in foreign nations, DIA’s attachés serve as a representative of the Secretary of Defense in diplomatic relations with foreign governments and militaries, leading the coordination of military activities & engagement with partner nations.