Description:

GEN. DANIEL 'CHAPPIE' JAMES FLYING JACKET - FIRST BLACK 4-STAR GENERAL (3)
DANIEL 'CHAPPIE' JAMES, JR. (1920–1978) American Air force general, the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general in the United States Armed Forces. Three years later, James was forced to retire prematurely due to heart issues, just weeks before he died of a heart attack. James attended the famous Tuskegee Institute and instructed African American 99th Pursuit Squadron pilots during World War II. He then served as a B-25 pilot with the 617th Bomb Squadron from January 1944 until the end of the war. In Korea, he flew 101 combat missions in F-51 Mustang and F-80 aircraft. He also flew 78 combat missions into North Vietnam, many in the Hanoi/Haiphong area, and led a flight in the 'Operation Bolo' MiG sweep in which seven Communist MiG-21s were destroyed, the highest total kill of any mission during the Vietnam War. In 1975 he was assigned as commander in chief of NORAD/ADCOM, giving him operational command of all United States and Canadian strategic aerospace defense forces. In all he received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Meritorious Service Medal, and fourteen Air Medals. Offered here are three superior uniform items from James' career. Included is James' general's four-star green and orange reversible flight jacket, XL, rayon fabric with elastic cuffs, collar and waist, and four silver general's stars affixed to each shoulder, protected by a sewn-on layer of plastic. A leather identification patch is affixed to the left breast: 'CHAPPIE JAMES JR. GENERAL USAF'. The right breast b ears a large embroidered patch showing an eagle's head being circled by a fighter jet, the patch reading: 'EAGLE DRIVER F-15 OPERATIONAL TEST'. Also present is James' ornate black general's visor cap, silver wire chin strap with heavy silver bullion embellishment to the brim as well as the shield above. The cap was made by Bancroft and is lined in silver with a leather sweatband. The underside of the sweatband bears a handwritten identification: 'D. James'. Finally, James' four-star blue officer's garrison cap is present, also made by Bancroft and also bearing his name within: 'James'. All are in fine condition. A historic grouping.

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December 5, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000