General Daniel
"Chappie" James, Jr., was the first USAF African-American
4-star general. Upon being promoted to 4-star grade on
Sept. 1, 1975, General James was assigned as Commander
in Chief North American Air Defense Command and Aerospace
Defense Command, a position he held until his retirement
on Feb. 1, 1978. He died 24 days later. General James,
who served in WWII and the Korean and Southeast Asian
Conflicts summed up his thoughts on his role as an American
serviceman:
"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." |