104 YEARS AGO TODAY On this date June 6, 1918 Brigadier General Charles Young, the first African American to achieve the rank of Colonel in the United States Army, began a ride from Wilberforce Ohio to Washington D.C. one horse, one mare and 497 miles later. BG.Young proved that he was more than fit enough to continue his military career. BG. Charles Young (March 12, 1864 - January 8, 1922) is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.