Gen Daniel "Chappie" James Jr.
He became the first African American Four Star General of the United States Air Force in 1975. He was a Fighter Pilot and served in the military from 1943 - 1978.
Born February 11th, 1920 in Pensacola, FL
Died February 25th, 1978 in Colorado Springs, CO
Buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Education:
Graduate of Tuskegee Institute with a degree in Physical Education
He attended the famous Tuskegee Institute and instructed African American pilots during World War II. He flew combat missions during the Korean War and Vietnam War, and received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, two Legion of Merits, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Meritorious Service Medal and fourteen (14) Air Medals.
Early life and education
Daniel James Jr. was born on February 11, 1920, to Daniel and Lillie Anna (Brown) James. Daniel James Sr. worked for the Pensacola city gas company, while his mother, Lillie Anna James, was a high school teacher who established a private school for her own and other black children in Pensacola, Florida. His mother would continue to run the "Lillie A James School" until her death at the age of 82. James graduated from the Tuskegee University in 1942, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.
Units:
99th Pursuit Squadron
477th Bomb Group
67th Fighter Bomber Squadron
12th Fighter Bomber Squadrom
44th Fighter Bomber Squadron
8th Tactical Fighter Wing
Commands held:
437th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
92nd Tactical Fighter Squadron
8th Tactical Fighter Wing
33rd Tactical Fighter Wing
72nd Flying Training Wing
Military Airlift Command
North American Aerospace Defense Command
Battles/wars:
Korean War
Vietnam War
- Operation Bolo
Awards:
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross (3)
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal (14)
"The power of excellence is overwhelming. It is always in demand and nobody cares about its' color.