John R. Dailey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Revell "Jack" Dailey
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General John R. Dailey
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| 8th Director of the National Air and Space Museum | |
| In office January 1, 2000 – April 30, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Donald D. Engen |
| Succeeded by | Ellen Stofan |
| Acting Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration | |
| In office November 3, 1992 – December 31, 1999 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush Bill Clinton |
| Administrator | Daniel S. Goldin |
| Preceded by | Aaron Cohen (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Mulville (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 17, 1934 Quantico, Virginia, U.S. |
| Relations | Brig Gen Frank G. Dailey (father) |
| Nickname | Call sign "Zorro" |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1956-1992 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands |
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| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
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John Revell "Jack" Dailey (born February 17, 1934) is a retired four-star general from the United States Marine Corps. He had a long and important career. He served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1990 to 1992. After that, he worked at NASA as the Acting Associate Deputy Administrator from 1992 to 1999. Later, he became the director of the National Air and Space Museum from 2000 to 2018.
General Dailey spent 36 years in the Marine Corps. He was a skilled pilot, flying over 7,000 hours in many different types of aircraft. He led many important units, including the Marine Corps Systems Command. During the Vietnam War, he flew 450 missions and received many awards for his bravery.
Meet John R. Dailey
John Dailey was born on February 17, 1934, in Quantico, Virginia. His father, Frank G. Dailey, was also a military pilot and a Brigadier General. John graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1956 with a science degree.
Serving in the Marine Corps
After college, John Dailey joined the Marine Corps in June 1956. He became a second lieutenant. He then went through flight training and officially became a Naval Aviator in July 1958.
He gained a lot of experience flying. He spent over 7,500 hours in the air. He flew fighter jets, attack planes, reconnaissance aircraft, and even helicopters.
In 1972, Dailey was in charge of a Marine reconnaissance squadron. He also led a group of aircraft supporting combat in North Vietnam. He flew 450 combat missions during his two tours in Vietnam. After returning in 1973, he worked at the Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He also attended the National War College to further his military education.
Later, in 1978, Dailey took command of Marine Aircraft Group-11. This was part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. He then became the chief of staff for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in 1980. He returned to Headquarters Marine Corps in 1981. There, he worked on aviation plans and budgets. In May 1982, he was promoted to brigadier general. He then became the assistant deputy chief of staff for aviation. In 1985, he took command of the 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade in Hawaii.
On June 12, 1986, Dailey was promoted to major general. He took command of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in North Carolina. In 1987, he became the Commandant of the Armed Forces Staff College. This is a school for military leaders. General Dailey then led the Marine Corps Research, Development and Acquisition Command in 1989. He was promoted to lieutenant general that same year. On August 1, 1990, he became a full general. He also took on the important role of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
After the Marine Corps
After retiring from the Marine Corps, General Dailey joined NASA. He served as the Associate Deputy Administrator from 1992 to 1999. At NASA, he helped the agency adapt to smaller budgets. He guided new ways of managing projects and resources.
Later, General Dailey became the Director of the National Air and Space Museum. He recently retired from this role.
During his time at the Smithsonian, he worked to make the museum bigger and reach more people. In 2003, a second museum building opened. This was the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. It houses over 300 aircraft and space artifacts. These include famous planes and spacecraft. In 2011, a new section was finished for preserving and restoring the museum's collection.
General Dailey has received many honors for his work. These include the Lifetime Achievement Award from UCLA in 2011. He also received the Statesman of Aviation Award. He was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. In 2014, he joined the International Air & Space Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
Awards and Honors
General Dailey received many important awards for his service and achievements. Some of his top military honors include:
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal (received twice)
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal (with 23 strike/flight numerals)
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Navy Presidential Unit Citation
- Navy Unit Commendation
- Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal (a civilian award from NASA)
- Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
