Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

Showing Original Post only (View all)

orangecrush

(31,927 posts)
Tue Jun 23, 2026, 04:01 PM Jun 23

Black USAF Hero "Chappie" James Portrait Removed from Pentagon [View all]

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Concerns are growing about a celebrated Pensacola veteran's portrait being removed from the Pentagon. But the Air Force says it was relocated after art gallery renovations.

This surfaced after a report in "The Atlantic." The article says several people noticed General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr.'s photo was missing. Historians describe him as a trailblazer.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/air-force-cites-renovations-as-reason-for-relocation-of-gen-chappie-james-portrait/ar-AA25OnT4



"Daniel James, Jr. (February 11th, 1920 – February 25th, 1978) was the first African-American four-star general officer in the United States military.[1] He received his pilot training with the Tuskegee airmen during World War II.[2] He flew planes during the Korean, and Vietnam Wars. He was a flight instructor in the United States Air Force. On receiving his fourth star he became commander-in-chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command in 1975.[3]

He died of a heart attack February 25th, 1978 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.[4] On March 2, 1978, General James was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.[3] His widow, Dorothy W. James, died on May 2, 2000, in San Antonio, Texas. She is buried next to General James at Arlington.[

James won the following awards[5] (Each oak leaf cluster and service stars represents one additional award):

Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal w/1 oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit w/1 oak leaf cluster
Distinguished Flying Cross w/2 oak leaf clusters
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal w/13 oak leaf clusters
Army Commendation Medal
Combat Readiness Medal
Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal w/1 service star
Korean Service Medal w/4 service stars
Vietnam Service Medal w/2 bronze service stars
Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/7 oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Republic Of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Defense Distinguished Service Medal[6]

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_James_Jr.

........



Salt and Pepper

"In real-world military history, legendary Vietnam War fighter pilot Colonel Robin Olds and his Vice Commander, Colonel Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., commanded the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. Credited with a brilliant and highly successful series of missions over North Vietnam, their highly effective tactical combination earned them the popular nickname "Blackman and Robin" among their troops."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Olds






?is=eWq9-7JHNCF3WUB3
30 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
🤬 after the renovations, return his portrait to a place of honor Deuxcents Jun 23 #1
Renovations? orangecrush Jun 23 #4
In the "VERY IFFY" column! Hopefully soneone(s) will keep an eye whether.... electric_blue68 Jun 23 #16
Some bathroom in the basement? calimary Jun 23 #8
There are no non-white heroes malaise Jun 23 #2
everything they tear down will be restored eShirl Jun 23 #3
Trump Hung Portrait of His Hero in the White House Kid Berwyn Jun 23 #5
I absolutely hate those bastards. nt hookaleft Jun 23 #6
The Secretary needs to go NOW, with tremendous prejudice dave99 Jun 23 #7
This had damned well better be temporary. 3catwoman3 Jun 23 #9
Don't bet in it orangecrush Jun 23 #12
I won't. I sure would like to know... 3catwoman3 Jun 23 #20
Safe bet orangecrush Wednesday #22
He was my boss as I was in ADC, although I never had the honor of meeting him TexLaProgressive Jun 23 #10
What a morale boost that had to be orangecrush Jun 23 #13
The Red Tails! electric_blue68 Jun 23 #17
As expected from the fat racist draft-dodger..... wolfie001 Jun 23 #11
Hegseth did this AverageOldGuy Jun 23 #14
A drunk pissing all over the honor of the service orangecrush Jun 23 #19
I remember my late uncle telling me that he worked on his planes. I was too young to know who Chappie was at the time. Dan Jun 23 #15
Thanks for sharing the memory orangecrush Jun 23 #18
Gen.James a true American hero. oasis Jun 23 #21
As a USAF Veteran i gotta say... purr-rat beauty Wednesday #23
I was never in the military orangecrush Wednesday #24
Disgusting. Scott Alan Swaggerty Yesterday #25
I lived in Pensacola for many years. HappyH Yesterday #26
WTF??? GCG Yesterday #27
The Blue Screw orangecrush Yesterday #30
"But the Air Force says it was relocated...." area51 Yesterday #28
Somewhere it won't be seen or remembered orangecrush Yesterday #29
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Black USAF Hero "Chappie"...