General Daniel James Jr.

General Daniel James Jr., Drawing by artist Willie Jones Jr.  This reproduction print is a portrait drawing of the legendary US Air Force General.  These are open end edition prints double matted and measure 13X19.

General Daniel James Jr. was a Tuskegee Airman and the first black four-star general in U.S. military history.  He was a great leader, outstanding fighter pilot, and he lived the American dream.  Gen James was also an exceptional public speaker. 

Gen James was widely known for his patriotic and Americanism speeches.  His speeches have been editorialized in many national and international publications.  Excerpts from some of his speeches have been read into congressional record.  He was a two-time recipient of the George Washington Freedom Foundation Medal in 1967 and 1968.  In 1970, he received the Arnold Air Society Eugene M. Zuckert Award for outstanding contributions to Air Force professionalism.  The citation read “...fighter pilot with a magnificent record, public speaker, and eloquent spokesman for the American Dream we so rarely achieve.” 

With his awards came promotions and a distinguished career.  He saw combat in Korean and Vietnam Wars and held several high-profile staff positions.  General James was a great leader and an outstanding American.  He retired as Commander in Chief, North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) on 1 February 1978 and later died on the 25^th of that month.