Bernard P. Randolph facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernard P. Randolph
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| Nickname(s) | Randy |
| Born | July 10, 1933 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | January 4, 2021 (aged 87) San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1956–1990 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Air Force Systems Command |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star |
Bernard Peter Randolph (born July 10, 1933 – died January 4, 2021) was a very important United States Air Force General. He was in charge of the Air Force Systems Command from 1987 to 1990. This command was responsible for developing and buying new technology for the Air Force, like planes and satellites.
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Early Life and Learning
Bernard Randolph was born in 1933 in New Orleans. He loved learning! He earned a science degree in chemistry in 1954. Later, he got two more degrees in electrical engineering from the University of North Dakota. He also studied at special Air Force schools. These schools helped him become a better leader and strategist. He earned a master's degree in business from Auburn University too.
A Career in the Air Force
General Randolph started his Air Force career in 1956. His first job was at Lincoln Air Force Base in Nebraska. There, he taught and checked on flight crews for large planes like the KC-97 Stratofreighter and B-47 Stratojet. He was also part of a special combat crew.
After more schooling, he worked at Los Angeles Air Force Base. He helped manage operations for space systems. This meant he worked with satellites and how they launched and operated in space.
Serving in Vietnam
From 1968 to 1969, he went to Air Command and Staff College. After that, he served in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He helped manage airlift operations, making sure supplies and people were moved by planes like the C-7 and C-123. He was in charge of about 50 flights every day!
Leading New Technologies
When he returned to the U.S. in 1970, General Randolph worked at the Air Force Systems Command. He helped plan and test new equipment. He also worked on space defense systems. This included managing programs to design and build systems to protect U.S. satellites.
He became a vice commander at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia. Later, he worked at the U.S. Air Force headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, he directed space systems and communication technologies.
In 1987, General Randolph took on his most important role. He became the Commander of the Air Force Systems Command. This made him responsible for all the Air Force's research, development, and buying of new technology.
A Trailblazer
General Randolph was a true pioneer. He was the second African-American to become a four-star general in the Air Force. He was also the first Air Force navigator to reach this high rank. He retired from active duty in March 1990.
Later Life and Passing
General Randolph passed away on January 4, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. He died from problems related to COVID-19.
Awards and Honors
General Randolph received many awards for his excellent service. These include:
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit (with an oak leaf cluster, meaning he received it twice)
Bronze Star
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Presidential Unit Citation
He was promoted to General on August 1, 1987.
