Life of Daniel \"Chappie\" James

¶ … life of Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Specifically it will discuss how Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. contributed to the history in the Korean War and how he rose so quickly through the ranks, along with his important part in the 78 combat missions into North Vietnam and his lead in the Bolo MIG sweep. James was crucial in the missions, events, and issues of two wars and his contributions to the Air Force were many and varied.

Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. was born in Pensacola Florida on February 11, 1920. He graduated from Tuskegee Institute with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1937. He also participated in the Civilian Pilot Training Program at the Institute, where he first learned to fly. He joined the Army in 1943, but did not see action in World War II. He is most remembered as the first black four-star general in American history, but his legacy is far more varied and important than that.

James harbored a life-long love of aviation, and he began visiting the Pensacola Naval Base as a youngster, trying to get rides in Navy planes in return for odd jobs (Phelps 5). When he joined the Army, he knew he wanted to fly, and he made that his career for the rest of his life. In September 1949, James was sent to the Philippines as flight leader for the 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter Wing, at Clark Field. In July 1950, he left for Korea where he flew 101 combat missions in F-51 and F-80 aircraft. In Korea, he began to make his mark as an aviator and a tactical pilot. He formed a group of four fighters dubbed the "furious four," and they "flew five to eight missions a day, delivering the [p-51] Mustang's ordnance [...] in devastating, low-level close support sorties and interdiction raids. Strafing at tree-top level, the 'furious four' helped break up North Korean attacks before they began, destroying trains, the vaunted Russian T-34 tanks, and enemy supply lines" (Phelps 186). When he led attacks as the flight leader he became known as "Black Leader," and he was responsible for numerous North Korean kills. His biographer continues, "The record reflects that Chappie himself accounted for over one hundred North Korean dead. It was a distinguished display of airmanship, and the Distinguished Flying Cross joined Chappie's other medals" (Phelps 187). During his time in Korea, he was also promoted to captain, and he continued to fly combat missions, moving from props to jets.

Shot down behind enemy lines on one mission, he was rescued by a Marine tank unit, and returned to his airfield to fly another mission. He flew 101 combat missions in Korea, and learned so much that when he left, he continued to train pilots in the Philippines for war duty in Korea. More importantly, he was a brave pilot who was not afraid to complete his missions and use just about any methods to subdue the enemy. His contributions in Korea were strategic, tactical, and important because he not only completed 100 successful missions, he gained the knowledge to train others, and he learned new fighting techniques that he could use in the future. He helped develop techniques for close ground support that would be used from then on. He also gained the respect of those who flew with him, and he opened doors for other black pilots. Perhaps his most important contribution in Korea was the mission that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He led a "flight of F-51 Mustangs in a close air support mission in support of U.N. troops. His heroics during this mission saved the U.S. soldiers from annihilation" ("Black Wings"). He became known as an exceptional fighter pilot, and continued his contributions in the Vietnam War.

After the Korean War, Chappie returned to the states, and acted as a trainer, commander, and operations expert in several different locations. By 1956, he was a lieutenant colonel. In 1967, James was appointed Vice Wing Commander of the Eighth Tactical Fighter Wing in Thailand under the command of Colonel Robin Olds. Another biographer continues, "He flew 78 combat missions into North Vietnam, many in the Hanoi/Haiphong area, and led a flight in the Bolo MiG sweep in which seven Communist MiG-21s were destroyed, the highest total kill of any mission during the Vietnam War" ("Black Wings"). During his time with Olds, their wing won the Daedalion Trophy for outstanding maintenance management capabilities. This was a prestigious honor, and it was the first wing in the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) command to win it. The wing won many other awards as well, and many credit Chappie as one of the reasons the wing was so successful and recognized (Phelps 207-208).

The Bolo sweep may be the most important aspect of Chappie's contribution to the Air Force and the Vietnam War. The fighters were prohibited from destroying MiGs on the ground, so Olds and James developed a plan for forcing the planes into aerial combat. F-4C Phantom jets, more maneuverable and quick, were outfitted to look like F-105s, planes that normally carried bombs. The Phantoms could not touch the MiGs in maneuverability at altitude, but at lower levels, they could often out fly the MiGs. Chappie commanded the second wing of attack, and helped take down seven MiGs while not losing one American plane. His biographer quotes him as saying, "In combat, it's a matter of seeing that stuff coming up off the ground at you and having to fly through it with never entertaining a thought of not (doing it)" (Phelps 237). He was a tactical fighter pilot who always honed his skills, and helped new pilots hone theirs. He was also an excellent planner and organizer, as his input into the many awards and recognitions the wing received in Vietnam. His biographer notes, "Vietnam had hardened him to steel. Robin Olds and the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing 'Wolfpack' expanded his knowledge and capabilities as a professional air force combat officer, allowing him to move past simple theory into the practical arena where people died (Phelps 245). He returned to the United States and several varying command roles after Vietnam.

James was definitely a leader, and those around him recognized that early on. After graduation from Tuskegee he remained there in the "Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program until January 1943, when he entered the program as a cadet and received his commission as second lieutenant in July 1943" ("Black Wings"). Throughout his career, he served as a flight trainer, flight leader, and representative of the Air Force and patriotism. More than that, he inspired his men, who praised him as a fine leader and commander. His biographer continues, "In contrast, James is described as a 'great ground commander,' who, 'like a great football coach lecturing his team at halftime,' made his pilots 'chomp at the bit' to fire the next rocket or drop the next bomb" (Phelps 207). He was inspiring, fair, and never based his decisions on race or other issues; in fact, he often acted as if prejudice and segregation did not exist.

His leadership skills are apparent in how he moved through the ranks of the Air Force, and the many commands he assumed. He was promoted to four-star General in 1975, and ultimately became the director of NORAD before he retired in 1978. He seems to have been a born leader, but more than that, his men respected him and liked him, and almost all of them were able to see past his color to his great skills and leadership qualities.

James impact was both immediate and long-term. He made it possible for other blacks to excel in the military, clearly illustrating that the segregation and prejudice against blacks that existed when he entered the service was uncalled for and incorrect. He also developed into a masterful fighter pilot who was able to transfer his skills to others efficiently and in detail. His contributions in Korea and Vietnam were immediate and final. He killed over 100 North Korean troops in one single mission, and the Bolo sweep was the most successful MiG attack in Vietnam. He saved countless other pilots and soldiers lives by his actions, and he helped develop maintenance and flight techniques that worked in dogfight situations.