Daniel James Jr.

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

 References 

Category:1920 births
Category:1978 deaths
Category:American generals
Category:American military personnel of World War II
Category:People from Pensacola, Florida
Category:Military people from Florida