Julius W. Becton Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julius Becton
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| Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency | |
| In office November 1985 – June 1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Robert Morris (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Robert Morris (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Julius Wesley Becton Jr.
June 29, 1926 Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | November 28, 2023 (aged 97) Fort Belvoir, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Louise Thornton
(m. 1948; died 2019) |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Muhlenberg College Prairie View A&M University (BS) University of Maryland, College Park (MA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1944–1946 1948–1983 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant general |
| Commands |  VII Corps 1st Cavalry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II Cold War • Korean War • Vietnam War |
| Awards |  Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star (2) Air Medal (2, with valor) Army Commendation Medal (2) Purple Heart (2) Combat Infantryman Badge Parachutist Badge |
Julius Wesley Becton Jr. (born June 29, 1926 – died November 28, 2023) was a very important person in the United States. He was a high-ranking soldier, a leader at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and even a school president. He helped lead the U.S. Army's VII Corps and later worked to help people during disasters.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
Julius Becton was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on June 29, 1926. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in July 1944 during World War II. In 1945, he became an officer.
After leaving the Army in 1946, he returned in 1948. This was after President Harry S. Truman ordered the U.S. military to allow people of all races to serve together.
A Long Military Career
Julius Becton had a long and brave career in the U.S. Army. He fought in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant general in 1978. This is a very high rank in the military.
He commanded the VII Corps in Europe during the Cold War. This was a time when the U.S. and its allies faced off against the Soviet Union.
Becton received many awards for his bravery and service. These included the Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, and two Purple Hearts. A Purple Heart is given to soldiers who are wounded in battle. He also received an important award from Germany.
While serving in the military, Becton also continued his education. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics in 1960. Later, he received a Master's Degree in Economics in 1966. He also attended several advanced military colleges.
Public Service After the Army
Becton retired from the U.S. Army in 1983. He had served for almost 40 years! But his work for the public was not over.
From 1984 to 1985, he worked for the United States Agency for International Development (US AID). This agency helps other countries around the world.
Then, from 1985 to 1989, he became the Director of FEMA. FEMA stands for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is the main U.S. government agency that helps people when big disasters happen, like hurricanes or earthquakes. He worked under President Ronald Reagan.
A New Career in Education
Even in his 60s, Becton started a new career. He became a leader in education.
From 1989 to 1994, he was the fifth president of Prairie View A&M University. This was the same university where he had earned his bachelor's degree. He was the first graduate of that university to become a high-ranking general.
In 1996, he became the Superintendent of the Washington, D.C. public school system. This meant he was in charge of all the public schools in the nation's capital.
Becton also served on the boards of many companies and schools. He was named "One of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in America" by Ebony magazine several times. He also wrote a book about his life called Becton: Autobiography of a Soldier and Public Servant.
Family Life and Passing Away
Julius Becton lived in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was married to Louise Thornton from 1948 until she passed away in 2019. They had five children, 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Julius W. Becton Jr. died on November 28, 2023, at the age of 97. He passed away at Fort Belvoir due to health issues related to dementia.
Images for kids
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Combat Infantryman Badge
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star
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Air Medal
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Meritorious Service Medal
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Army Commendation Medal
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Purple Heart
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American Campaign Medal
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Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal
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World War II Victory Medal
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Army of Occupation Medal
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National Defense Service Medal
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Korean Service Medal
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Vietnam Service Medal
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Philippine Independence Medal
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United Nations Korea Medal
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
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Vietnam Campaign Medal
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Grand Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
