Daniel James Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel James Jr.
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| Nickname(s) | "Chappie" |
| Born | February 11, 1920 Pensacola, Florida |
| Died | February 25, 1978 (aged 58) Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army (1943–47) United States Air Force (1947–78) |
| Years of service | 1943–1978 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | North American Aerospace Defense Command Military Airlift Command 7272nd Flying Training Wing 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing 8th Tactical Fighter Wing 92d Tactical Fighter Squadron 437th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War
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| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal (14) |
| Relations | Lieutenant General Daniel James III (son) |
Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. (born February 11, 1920 – died February 25, 1978) was an amazing fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. In 1975, he made history by becoming the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general in the United States Armed Forces. This was a huge achievement! Sadly, he had to retire early because of heart problems. He passed away just a few weeks later from a heart attack.
James went to the famous Tuskegee Institute. During World War II, he taught other African American pilots how to fly. He flew many combat missions in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. For his bravery and service, he received many important awards. These included the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, and three Distinguished Flying Crosses. He also earned fourteen Air Medals.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
Daniel James Jr. was born on February 11, 1920. His parents were Daniel and Lillie Anna (Brown) James. His father worked for the city gas company in Pensacola, Florida. His mother, Lillie Anna James, was a high school teacher. She started a private school for Black children in Pensacola, Florida, including her own. She ran the "Lillie A James School" until she was 82 years old. Daniel James Jr. finished his studies at Tuskegee University in 1942. He earned a degree in physical education.
Military Career
World War II Service
After college, James continued his pilot training. He joined the United States Army Air Forces on January 18, 1943. He became a second lieutenant and earned his pilot wings in Alabama. He stayed at Tuskegee as an instructor pilot. During the rest of the war, James trained pilots for the all-Black 99th Pursuit Squadron. These pilots were part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.
James trained on different types of planes, like the P-40 Warhawk and the B-25 Mitchell. He then served as a B-25 pilot from 1944 until the war ended. He did not fly in combat during World War II. Instead, he helped prepare other pilots for battle.
Korean War Missions
In September 1949, James moved to the Philippines. He was a flight leader for the 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron. In July 1950, he went to Korea. There, he flew 101 combat missions. He flew planes like the F-51 Mustang and the F-80. He flew with several different fighter squadrons during the war.
After Korea Assignments
After the Korean War, James returned to the United States. In July 1951, he went to Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts. He became a jet fighter pilot. Later, he became an operations officer. In April 1953, he took command of the 437th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. He also commanded the 60th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron in August 1955. While at Otis, he was named "Young Man of the Year" in 1954. This was for his great work in the community.
In July 1960, he moved to RAF Bentwaters in England. He held several leadership roles there. He was the assistant director of operations and then director of operations. He also commanded the 92nd Tactical Fighter Squadron. In September 1964, James moved to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. He continued to train pilots there.
Vietnam War Combat
In December 1966, James went to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. He became the deputy commander for operations. In June 1967, he became the wing vice commander. He worked closely with Colonel Robin Olds. They were a famous team nicknamed "Blackman and Robin." James flew 78 combat missions over North Vietnam. Many of these were in dangerous areas. He led a flight in "Operation Bolo." In this mission, seven enemy MiG-21 planes were destroyed. This was the most successful mission of its kind during the Vietnam War.
Rising Through the Ranks
In December 1967, he became vice commander at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The Florida State Jaycees named James "Florida's Outstanding American of the Year" in 1969. In August 1969, he became Commander of the 7272nd Fighter Training Wing at Wheelus Air Base in Libya.
After a new leader, Mohammar Qaddafi, took power in Libya, James faced a difficult situation. He showed great courage when dealing with a difficult situation at Wheelus Air Base. He made sure the Americans left the base safely and with dignity.
In March 1970, James was promoted to brigadier general. He became the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. On September 1, 1974, he became vice commander of the Military Airlift Command (MAC). He was a Lieutenant General at this time.
On September 1, 1975, James was promoted to a four-star general. This made him the highest-ranking African-American in the U.S. military at that time. He was put in charge of NORAD/ADCOM in Colorado. This meant he commanded all U.S. and Canadian forces that defended against air attacks. He retired from the Air Force on February 1, 1978.
Death
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Daniel James Jr. passed away from a heart attack on February 25, 1978. This was just two weeks after his 58th birthday. An earlier heart attack had led to his retirement.
He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Dorothy Watkins James, their daughter, Danice Berry, and two sons, Daniel James III and Claude James, survived him. Dorothy passed away in 2000 and is buried with him.
Personal Life
James met his wife Dorothy at Tuskegee. They got married there on November 3, 1942. They had two sons and one daughter. General James's son, Lieutenant General Daniel James III, also became a fighter pilot in the Air Force. He later served as the Adjutant General of the Texas National Guard. He was the first Black general to hold that position. He retired from the Air Force in 2006 as a Lieutenant General.
Beliefs and Recognition
James was well-known for his speeches about Americanism and patriotism. Many newspapers and magazines wrote about his ideas.
He believed strongly in serving his country. He often spoke about how important it was to work together for America's future. Even during tough times, he spoke about believing in America and working to make it better. He said, "This is my country and I believe in her, and I will serve her."
He received the George Washington Freedom Foundation Medal in 1967 and 1968. In 1970, he received the Arnold Air Society Eugene M. Zuckert Award. This award recognized his great contributions to the Air Force.
In 2019, he was chosen as the Class Exemplar for the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2022. In 2020, the new Pensacola Bay Bridge was named the General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Bridge. This bridge connects Pensacola with Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach.
Honors and Awards
General James received many military awards:
| U.S. Air Force Command Pilot Badge | ||
| Defense Distinguished Service Medal | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster |
Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster |
| Distinguished Flying Cross with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
Meritorious Service Medal | Air Medal with two silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
| Air Medal (second ribbon required for accoutrement spacing) |
Army Commendation Medal | Air Force Presidential Unit Citation with silver oak leaf cluster |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three bronze oak leaf clusters |
Army Good Conduct Medal | Combat Readiness Medal |
| American Defense Service Medal | American Campaign Medal | World War II Victory Medal |
| Army of Occupation Medal with 'Japan' clasp |
National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star |
Korean Service Medal with four bronze campaign stars |
| Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze campaign stars |
Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
Armed Forces Reserve Medal |
| Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon | Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation | Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross |
| United Nations Service Medal for Korea | Vietnam Campaign Medal | Korean War Service Medal |
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| Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge |
General James also received many civilian awards. These include the Phoenix Urban League Man of the Year Award in 1970. He also received the American Legion National Commander's Public Relations Award in 1971. In 1976, he earned the American Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award. He also received the Horatio Alger Award that year.
He was given several honorary doctor of laws degrees. These were from universities like the University of West Florida in 1971 and St. Louis University in 1976.
Effective Dates of Promotion
Source:
| Insignia | Rank | Date |
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General | September 1, 1975 |
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Lieutenant general | June 1, 1973 |
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Major general | August 1, 1972 |
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Brigadier general | July 1, 1970 |
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Colonel | November 15, 1964 |
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Lieutenant colonel | April 25, 1956 |
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Major | June 18, 1952 |
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Captain | October 31, 1950 |
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First lieutenant | July 1, 1944 |
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Second lieutenant | July 28, 1943 |
See also
Images for kids
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General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr.
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Lt. Daniel "Chappie" James with his F-51 in South Korea.
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Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. (standing) addressing a conference in Thailand.
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Colonel Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. in front of his F-4C Phantom in Thailand.
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General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr.'s grave at Arlington National Cemetery.
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Secretary of Defense Harold Brown (left) and General James (center) visiting Jimmy Carter.
