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 until 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. He also flew 450 missions during two tours in the Vietnam War. He received many awards for his bravery and service in combat.
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About John R. Dailey
John Dailey was born on February 17, 1934, in Quantico, Virginia. His father, Frank G. Dailey, was also a Brigadier General and a Naval aviator. John graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
His Time in the Marine Corps
After college, John Dailey joined the Marine Corps in June 1956. He completed his basic training and became a Naval Aviator in July 1958. This meant he was a trained pilot for the Navy and Marine Corps.
He flew over 7,500 hours in various aircraft. These included fighter jets, attack planes, reconnaissance planes (for scouting), electronic warfare planes, transport planes, and helicopters.
In 1972, Dailey led a Marine reconnaissance squadron. He also commanded a group of ships that supported combat in North Vietnam. During his two tours in Vietnam, he flew 450 combat missions. After returning in May 1973, he worked at the Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He later attended the National War College to further his military education.
In 1978, Dailey took command of a Marine Aircraft Group. He then became the chief of staff for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in July 1980. He returned to Headquarters Marine Corps in July 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 May 1985, he took command of the 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade in Hawaii.
Dailey was promoted to major general on June 12, 1986. He then commanded the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in North Carolina. On July 30, 1987, he became the Commandant of the Armed Forces Staff College. General Dailey took command of the Marine Corps Research, Development and Acquisition Command in August 1989. He was promoted to lieutenant general in November 1989. Finally, he became a full general and the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps on August 1, 1990.
After the Marine Corps
After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1992, General Dailey joined NASA. He served as the associate deputy administrator until 1999. At NASA, he helped guide the agency through changes. He developed new ways of managing things, especially when the budget was smaller.
General Dailey later became the Director of the National Air and Space Museum. He retired from this role in 2018.
During his time at the museum, which started in 2000, he worked to make it bigger and reach more people. In 2003, a second building opened. This was the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. This center houses over 300 aircraft and space artifacts. It has two large hangars: the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar. In 2011, the center finished its last part, which is used to preserve and restore the museum's collection.
General Dailey has received many honors for his work. These include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of California at Los Angeles in 2011. He also received the Statesman of Aviation Award. He was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Aviation Hall of Fame.
In 2014, Dailey was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in San Diego. In 2018, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio.
Awards and Honors
General Dailey received many important awards for his service. Some of his top military decorations include:
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal (received twice)
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Navy Presidential Unit Citation
- Navy Unit Commendation
- Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
Images for kids
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The Naval Aviator Badge, showing General Dailey's pilot status.
