The First Black Four-Star General Daniel James Jr. Was A Brother Of Kappa Alpha Psi

Did you know that the first African American to earn four-star general rank in the United States military was a Tuskegee Airman and a brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.? His name was Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., and his path to the top of the American armed forces ran through a historically Black institution in Alabama.

Daniel James Jr. was born on February 11, 1920, in Pensacola, Florida. He enrolled at Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, in 1937, where he studied physical education. It was at Tuskegee that he completed the Civilian Pilot Training Program and learned to fly, later serving as a civilian flight instructor. In 1943, he earned his wings as a military pilot and joined the ranks of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.

James served his country across three wars. During World War II he trained with the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group. In the Korean War he flew 101 combat missions, and during the Vietnam War he flew 78 missions in the F-4 Phantom from Ubon Royal Thai Air Base. Over his career he logged 179 combat missions in the air.

His leadership carried him higher and higher. In September 1975, James was promoted to four-star general, becoming the first African American to hold that rank in any branch of the United States armed forces. As the Encyclopedia of Alabamanotes, he simultaneously took command of the North American Air Defense Command, known as NORAD, placing him in charge of the air defense of the entire United States and Canada.

James was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., initiated through the fraternity’s Nashville Alumni Chapter in 1969. He was recognized by Kappa Alpha Psi in 1970 with the Distinguished Service Achievement Award and he was also the 29th Laurel Wreath recipient.

Beyond his combat record, James was widely admired as a powerful public speaker who spoke often about patriotism and equal opportunity for all Americans.

Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. died on February 25, 1978, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, shortly after retiring from the Air Force. From Tuskegee Institute to the brotherhood of Kappa Alpha Psi to the command of NORAD, he broke a barrier that no Black American had broken before him.

Swearing in General Daniel “Chappie” James (USAF)

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