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Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr.
| Gen.
Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. |
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| A plaque commemorating the achievements
of Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. is unveiled by Maj. Gen. Paul
Bielowicz, San Antonio Air Logistics Center commander, and the
late general's two sons: Claude James of San Antonio, and Maj.
Gen. Daniel James III, Texas adjutant general. The street that
passes in front of the headquarters of the Air National Guard's
149th Fighter Wing was renamed "Chappie James Way" in ceremonies
on March 3, 2000. (Photo by Master Sgt. Greg Ripps) |
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From Tuskegee Airman To First Black Four-Star,
James Realized An American Dream
By Bethanne Kelly Patrick
Military.com Writer
After he pinned on his fourth star, Air Force Gen. Daniel James Jr.
summed up his thoughts on his years of military service: "I've fought
in three wars, and three more wouldn't be too many to defend my country.
I love America, and as she has weaknesses or ills, I'll hold her hand."
The first African-American service member to reach the rank of full
general, "Chappie" James at the time of his promotion in 1975 was also
named commander of the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), with
responsibility for all aspects of air defense for the United States
and Canada.
James was born in Pensacola, Fla., on Feb. 11, 1920. He attended Tuskegee
Institute and was one of the famed "Tuskegee Airmen." The unit was part
of the government-sponsored Civilian Pilot Training Program, an all-black
unit whose members were kept separated from their white counterparts.
For more information on the Tuskegee Airmen, see this special
feature.
In an era of enforced segregation in the armed forces, James continued
to achieve despite racial bias. He fought in both the Korean and Vietnam
wars, flying over 160 combat missions and leading the Bolo MiG sweep
of 21 Communist aircraft -- the highest total kill of any Vietnam air
mission.
James had spent years gaining combat experience at Air Force bases at
home and overseas. When he returned to the United States after his Vietnam
assignment, he took command of the 7272nd Fighter Training Wing in the
Libyan Arab Republic in 1969. Afterwards, however, James moved briefly
into public affairs, and it was in his role as principal deputy assistant
secretary of defense (public affairs) that he gave his most public contributions
in service. As an effective and thoroughly professional Air Force spokesman,
he spoke out not only on military policies, but also on racial policies.
No matter how outspoken James was in favor of desegregation, what most
people recall from his speeches is his deep patriotism and commitment
to duty. Among his numerous awards is the 1970 Arnold Air Society Eugene
M. Zuckert Award for outstanding contributions to Air Force professionalism.
The citation for the honor says it all, proclaiming James a "fighter
pilot with a magnificent record, public speaker, and eloquent spokesman
for the American Dream we so rarely achieve."
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