James Credle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Credle
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| Born | February 7, 1945 Mesic, North Carolina, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Rutgers University–Newark (BA) |
| Occupation | Academic administrator and counselor, activist |
| Known for | Veterans and LGBT rights activism |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Service years | 1965–1967 |
| Rank |  Specialist |
| Unit | 196th Light Infantry Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Purple Heart Bronze Star Medal with V Gallantry Cross Army Commendation Medal |
James Credle (born February 7, 1945) is an American leader in education and a helper for students. He is also an activist who works for the rights of military veterans and LGBT people. He used to be an assistant dean at Rutgers University–Newark. He also helped start many groups for veterans and the LGBTQ community. James Credle was a hero in the Vietnam War. For his bravery, he received several important awards. These include the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.
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Early Life in North Carolina
James Credle was born on February 7, 1945. This was in a place called Mesic, North Carolina. At that time, laws in the South separated people by race. He grew up in a very large family. He was one of 14 children. His mother worked during the day. His father was a carpenter part-time.
James and his brothers and sisters worked hard. They helped their family earn money. He picked cotton, potatoes, corn, and cabbage in fields. Later, he worked in a factory that processed crabs. His family went to Mount Olive Baptist Church. James sang in the church choir. In 1962, he finished high school. He went to Pamlico County Training School, which was only for Black students. That same year, he moved to Newark, New Jersey. He worked at a hospital for veterans in Lyons. His aunt and uncle helped him get this job.
Military Service and Education
James Credle worked at the Veterans' Administration Hospital for three years. In 1965, he joined the army. He served for two years. He learned to be a medic at Fort Devens. From 1966 to 1967, he was in Vietnam. He worked as a medic for the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. In Tây Ninh Province, James was hurt. But he kept helping other soldiers get to safety. He did this even while under enemy fire.
After his military service, James returned to Newark. He started attending Rutgers University–Newark in 1968. He used a program called the G.I. Bill to pay for his studies. This program helps veterans go to college. He earned a degree in sociology in 1972. James was a very good student. He graduated as the third-best student in his class.
He also played basketball for the Rutgers–Newark Scarlet Raiders team. He was the team captain twice. James was part of the Black Organization of Students (BOS). He and other BOS members protested for more chances for minority students and staff at Rutgers–Newark.
Career in Education and Activism
James Credle studied law for a short time. Then, he became the director of veterans affairs at Rutgers–Newark. In 1976, he became an assistant dean of student affairs at Rutgers. He worked at Rutgers for 37 years. He helped many students during his time there.
James Credle also helped start many important groups. He was a founding member and leader for the New Jersey Association of Veterans Program Administrators. He also helped start the National Association for Black Veterans. He was a leader for the National Association of Concerned Veterans. He worked with the New Jersey Agent Orange Commission. He also led a program for veterans in prisons for the National Council of Churches.
James Credle is also a founding member of groups that support LGBT people. He helped start the National Association of Black and White Men Together. He also helped create the New York Men of All Colors Together. He is a co-founder and board member of the Newark Pride Alliance. He is also part of the Newark Commission on LGBT Concerns. These groups work to make sure LGBT people are treated fairly.
Personal Life
James Credle married Pierre Dufresne on October 21, 2013. This was the first day New Jersey allowed same-sex marriage. Their wedding was held at Newark City Hall. Cory Booker, who was the mayor at the time, performed the ceremony.
James Credle has experienced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is a condition that can affect people after very stressful events, like serving in a war.
Awards and Honors
For his brave actions in the Vietnam War, James Credle received several awards:
- Purple Heart
- Bronze Star Medal with "V" device
- Gallantry Cross
- Army Commendation Medal
