Black Eagle: General Daniel 'Chappie' James, Jr. (1985) By James R. McGovern
 
The success story of a much-decorated fighter pilot who overcame poverty and racism to become America's first African-American four-star general.
 
Born in Pensacola, Florida, the youngest of seventeen children in a relatively poor family, "Chappie" James (1920-1978) rose to attain the rank of four-star, the highest rank of the peacetime American military. His parents had early on imbued him with personal and national pride and a singular drive that motivated him his whole life.
 
At Tuskegee Institute, James enrolled in the Army Air Corps unit formed to train black pilots. After combat service in World War II, James became the leader of a fighter group in the Korean War, during which he developed innovative tactics for providing close air support for advancing ground forces. He served with distinction in Vietnam and then became a public affairs officer in the Department of Defence. Between 1970 and 1974, James served as the Pentagon's chief spokesman to youth and civic organisations.
 
General James's importance transcends his unprecedented achievements as an African American in the military and his role as a spokesman for the patriotic community. He was an early and important proponent of black self-improvement through education, training, and the tireless pursuit of excellence. He became the very embodiment of the American dream.
 
 
Hard Cover with Dust Jacket
204 Pages
In Fair to Good Condition