I suspect that many of you have never heard the name of Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. in your life. He wasn’t included in any history class of high school, but his role in life was one of prominence, leadership, valor and overall, a good American citizen.
Please permit me to tell you of this ‘most interesting’ fellow.
Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. was born on Feb. 11, 1920, to Daniel and Lillie Anna (Brown) James. Lillie, his mother, was a high school teacher who established a private school for her own and other Black children in Pensacola, Florida.
As the youngest of 17 children in his family, Daniel was frequently called “Chappie” as a derivative of his older brother’s name, Charles.
James graduated from the famous Tuskegee Institute in 1942 receiving the Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He then enlisted in the Air Force and was awarded his commission of second Lieutenant and pilot wings at Tuskegee Army Airfield, Alabama on July 28, 1943.
The Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, are famous for overcoming systemic racism to achieve 150+ combat medals, including 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses; they directly influenced the 1948 desegregation of the U.S. armed forces.
In 1950, James flew while in Korea some 101 combat missions in F-51 Mustang and F-80 Shooting Star aircraft.
In 1966, “Chappie” went to the Royal Thai Air Force Base and became wing vice commander under Col. Robin Olds. Both James and Olds were in their 40’s and soon formed the legendary team nickname of ‘Blackman and Robin’.
As James’ star continued to rise, he often became a motivating speaker and closed many of his speeches by singing ‘Joshua fought the battle of Jericho;’ those trumpets bring down the walls with truth, justice and brotherhood for all people.
James then made a name for himself by flying 78 combat missions over the Hanoi/Haiphong area and destroying seven Communist MIG-21s, the highest total kill of any mission during the Vietnam war.
By 1967, while, I myself. was serving in Vietnam, there was much opposition to the war. James thought that Black militants like H. Rap Brown and Stokely Carmichael were setting the civil rights movement back and did not speak for all Black Americans.
In the February 2026 issue of the ‘American Legion’ magazine, I found a most interesting article on Daniel ‘’Chappie’’ James Jr. titled ‘America First’ by Joe D. Haines Jr.
This story details those actions of “Chappie” James doing a confrontation with Libya Col. Moammar Gaddhafi on Oct. 18, 1969, at Wheelus, Tripoli, in Libya after Gaddhafi had led a coup deposing of King Idris.
As Gaddhafi faced James on the gate’s other side, James had already overcome racial prejudice and was a battle tested soldier from Korea and Vietnam.
According to Haines, Gaddhafi had ordered a column of Libyan halftracks to breach Wheelus’ main gate and race through the housing area.
‘James came immediately to the area gate and closed the barrier.’ A few yards beyond the gate stood Gaddhafi with hand on his pistol. James ordered Gaddhafi to move his hand away from that gun, as he readied his own pistol.
“Chappie” said later, “If he had pulled that gun, he never would have cleared his holster”.
James’ grit, valor and courage were credentials he carried with him throughout his military career.
He fought racism by overcoming and battling it like he did with every enemy he faced in the air or on the battlefield.
He would write later, “I am a citizen of the United States of America. I am not a second-class citizen.”
“Today’s world’s situation requires strong men to stand up and be counted no matter what their personal grievances are. Our greatest weapon is one we have always possessed – our heritage of freedom ~ our unity as a nation.”
In July 1970, Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. would be promoted to Brigadier General, and in 1975 he would be the first Black promoted to four-star general.
And upon the receipt of that fourth star, James offered this thought; “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.”
Joe Haines Jr.’s article in the American Legion magazine was a fitting tribute to an old Tuskegee pilot who died in 1978 from a heart attack.
I too am proud of serving in the military with the likes of “Chappie” James and many others.
RIP brave soldier!
