Daniel James Jr.

Daniel James Jr.
Nickname(s)	"Chappie"
Born	(1920-02-11)February 11, 1920[1] Pensacola, Florida[1]
Died	February 25, 1978(1978-02-25) (aged 58)[1] Colorado Springs, Colorado
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Army (1943–47) United States Air Force (1947–78)
Years of service	1943–1978
Rank	General
Commands	North American Aerospace Defense Command Military Airlift Command 7272nd Flying Training Wing 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing 8th Tactical Fighter Wing 92d Tactical Fighter Squadron 437th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
Battles / wars	World War II Korean War Vietnam War Operation Bolo
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal (14)
Relations	Lieutenant General Daniel James III (son)

Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. (February 11, 1920 – February 25, 1978) was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force who, in 1975, became the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general in the United States Armed Forces. Three years later, James was forced to retire prematurely due to heart issues, just weeks before he died of a heart attack.

James attended the famous Tuskegee Institute and instructed African American pilots during World War II. He flew combat missions during the Korean War and Vietnam War, and received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Meritorious Service Medal, and fourteen Air Medals.