David B. Bolen
| David B. Bolen | |
|---|---|
| United States Ambassador to East Germany | |
|
In office August 22, 1977 – June 20, 1980 |
|
| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | John Sherman Cooper |
| Succeeded by | Herbert S. Okun |
| United States Ambassador to Lesotho | |
|
In office April 25, 1974 – August 11, 1976 |
|
| President |
Richard Nixon Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Charles J. Nelson |
| Succeeded by | Donald R. Norland |
| United States Ambassador to Swaziland | |
|
In office April 22, 1974 – August 11, 1976 |
|
| President |
Richard Nixon Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Charles J. Nelson |
| Succeeded by | Donald R. Norland |
| United States Ambassador to Botswana | |
|
In office April 11, 1974 – August 11, 1976 |
|
| President |
Richard Nixon Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Charles J. Nelson |
| Succeeded by | Donald R. Norland |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
December 23, 1923 Heflin, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Spouse(s) | Betty L. Gayden |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater |
Southern University University of Colorado Boulder Harvard University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 U.S. Army Air Forces
|
| Years of service | 1943-1946 |
David Benjamin "Dave" Bolen (born December 23, 1923) is an American track and field athlete, Olympian, diplomat and businessman.
Bolen competed at the 1948 Summer Olympics in the 400 metres. He finished fourth in the final behind Arthur Wint, Herb McKenley and Mal Whitfield.
Bolen's later career took him to the US State Department in 1950. In 1974, he served as ambassador to Swaziland, Lesotho and Botswana simultaneously, while keeping residence in Gaborone. In 1977, the German speaking Bolen was appointed and confirmed as US Ambassador to the German Democratic Republic. He was the first African-American to serve as ambassador to a nation behind the Iron Curtain. He served until 1980.
July 8, 1977
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