Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr.

James joined the segregated United States Army Air Corp while attending Tuskegee Institute. He was made a second lieutenant during World War II. James received the Distinguished Service Medal for his service in the Korean War, during which he flew more than 100 combat missions. In 1957 he graduated from the Air Command and Staff College in Alabama. James was named deputy commander for operations of the Eighth Tactical Fighter Wing in Thailand in 1966. After a series of promotions, he was named a four-star general in 1975, including command of the North American Air Defense system. During his career, James received the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Presidential Unit Citation.

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