Daniel James, Jr. facts for kids
Daniel James, Jr. (February 11th, 1920 – February 25th, 1978) was the first African-American four-star general officer in the United States military. He received his pilot training with the Tuskegee airmen during World War II. He flew planes during the Korean, and Vietnam Wars. He was a flight instructor in the United States Air Force. On receiving his fourth star he became commander-in-chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command in 1975. He died of a heart attack February 25th, 1978 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. On March 2, 1978, General James was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. His widow, Dorothy W. James, died on May 2, 2000, in San Antonio, Texas. She is buried next to General James at Arlington.
Decorations and Service Awards
James won the following awards (Each oak leaf cluster and service stars represents one additional award):
- Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)
- Air Force Distinguished Service Medal w/1 oak leaf cluster
- Legion of Merit w/1 oak leaf cluster
- Distinguished Flying Cross w/2 oak leaf clusters
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal w/13 oak leaf clusters
- Army Commendation Medal
- Combat Readiness Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
- National Defense Service Medal w/1 service star
- Korean Service Medal w/4 service stars
- Vietnam Service Medal w/2 bronze service stars
- Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/7 oak leaf clusters
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal
- Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
- Republic Of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon
- United Nations Service Medal
- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Images for kids
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James with F-51 in South Korea
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