Daniel James Jr.
Daniel James, Jr. (February 11th, 1920 – February 25th, 1978) was the first African-American four-star general officer in the United States military.[1] He received his pilot training with the Tuskegee airmen during World War II.[2] He flew planes during the Korean, and Vietnam Wars. He was a flight instructor in the United States Air Force. On receiving his fourth star he became commander-in-chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command in 1975.[3]
He died of a heart attack February 25th, 1978 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.[4] On March 2, 1978, General James was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.[3] His widow, Dorothy W. James, died on May 2, 2000, in San Antonio, Texas. She is buried next to General James at Arlington.[4]
Decorations and Service Awards
James won the following awards[5] (Each oak leaf cluster and service stars represents one additional award):
- Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)
- Air Force Distinguished Service Medal w/1 oak leaf cluster
- Legion of Merit w/1 oak leaf cluster
- Distinguished Flying Cross w/2 oak leaf clusters
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal w/13 oak leaf clusters
- Army Commendation Medal
- Combat Readiness Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
- National Defense Service Medal w/1 service star
- Korean Service Medal w/4 service stars
- Vietnam Service Medal w/2 bronze service stars
- Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/7 oak leaf clusters
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal
- Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
- Republic Of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon
- United Nations Service Medal
- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal[6]
Daniel James Jr. Media
James with F-51 in South Korea
Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. (standing) in August 1967, addressing a conference at Ubon Air Base, Thailand. Robin Olds is sitting to his right.
Secretary of Defense Harold Brown (left) and General James (center) visit Jimmy Carter
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References
- ↑ Daniel “Chappie” James (12 September 2011)Black History Now. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
- ↑ Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr.National Aviation Hall of Fame. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 EAA Chapter 1288, About Gen. Daniel 'Chappie' JamesThe Experimental Aircraft Association General Daniel 'Chappie' James, Jr. Chapter 1288, Inc.. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr., General, United States Air ForceArlington National Cemetery Website. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
- ↑ General Daniel James, Jr.. Real African American Heroes (February 1999)ICGG. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
- ↑ Daniel James , Jr., Awards and Citations. Hall of ValorMilitary Times. Retrieved 4 June 2015.[dead link]
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