Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr.
- Oil on canvas
- 17.5 x 20.5 in (framed)
- Robert E. Tanner
The Tuskegee Airmen portraits were a gift to the Supreme Court of Ohio from the artist, Robert E. Tanner, in 2008. The five oil paintings are part of a 10-part body of work by the Delaware County artist. Robert Tanner combined his respect for the Tuskegee Airmen, his love of aviation, and his artistic talents to create the series of portraits showing the faces of men who helped change history. Tanner donated the paintings to the Supreme Court of Ohio in the hope the public would view them and remember a group of men who fought for the United States and contributed to the historic social change toward racial equality in America.
Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. was born Feb. 11, 1920, in Pensacola, Fla. After high school, James entered the Tuskegee Institute, where his exuberant personality made him popular among the other students. James completed his primary, basic and advanced training in 1943. He received his commission as a second lieutenant and completed his pilot training at Selfridge Field, Mich. In September 1949, James was sent to the Philippines as flight leader of the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron, receiving the rank of major. He later was promoted to lieutenant colonel. James became America’s first black four-star general. His final and most prominent assignment was as commander-in-chief of the North American Air Defense Command and of the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Defense Command.
- Framed: 17.5 x 20.5 in
- Subject Matter: Portrait
- Created: 2007
- Current Location: Floor 2 - Dining Room
- Collections: Contemporary Art, Paintings, The Tuskegee Airmen Portraits