James F. Hamlet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James F. Hamlet
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| Born | December 13, 1921 Alliance, Ohio |
| Died | January 5, 2001 (aged 79) Trenton, New Jersey |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1981 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 11th Aviation Group 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division 4th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star (4) Air Medal (49) |
James F. Hamlet (1921-2001) was an important leader in the United States Army. He was the second African American to become a Major General and to lead a whole army division. General Hamlet commanded the 3rd Brigade during the Vietnam War. He also led the 4th Infantry Division later in his career.
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Growing Up and School
James F. Hamlet was born in Alliance, Ohio in 1921. He went to Tuskegee University for a while. Later, he earned a degree in business from St. Benedict's College.
Military Career
Hamlet joined the United States Army in 1942. In 1944, he became a Second Lieutenant after finishing Officer Candidate School. He served in World War II in Italy. He was part of the 92nd Infantry Division, which was a segregated unit at the time.
Becoming a Pilot
After the war, Hamlet learned to fly. He became a liaison pilot and then a helicopter pilot in 1951. In 1963, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He worked at Fort Leavenworth before going to Vietnam.
Serving in Vietnam
In May 1966, Hamlet went to Vietnam. He started as an operations officer for the 11th Aviation Group. Later, he commanded the 227th Aviation Battalion. After his first tour, he was promoted to Colonel. He then studied at the United States Army War College.
Hamlet returned to Vietnam for a second time. He commanded the 11th Aviation Group again. In June 1971, he became a brigadier general. He then served as assistant division commander for the 101st Airborne Division. From December 1971 to August 1972, he led the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division.
Leading a Division
After his second tour, Hamlet worked at the Pentagon. In August 1972, he was nominated to become a major general. The Senate confirmed his promotion on June 1, 1973. This made him the second African American to reach this high rank.
In 1972, Hamlet took command of the Fourth Infantry Division and Fort Carson. He was the first African American to command an army division stationed in the United States. He held this position for two years. He then became the Deputy Inspector General of the United States Army. General Hamlet retired from the Army in 1981.
James F. Hamlet passed away on January 5, 2001, in Trenton, New Jersey.
