Foil: 14 Panel: Retired United Pilots Association Column: 3 Line: 13

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

James H. Davis' aviation career spans five decades with service to the nations military, and to the commercial transportation industry.

After enlisting in the Air Force in 1967 and graduating from pilot training, he flew 1000 hours of combat missions in Vietnam while assigned to the 537th tactical airlift squadron based at PhuCat, Republic of Vietnam. Flying the Dehaviland C-7A Caribou, the aircraft was used to air-land supplies on short unimproved runways, and airdrop supplies to various ground units in forward areas. Several noteworthy airdrop missions were to the besieged Special Forces camp at Dak Seang just outside Pleiku in 1969. After returning to the US from Vietnam in November 1969, Jim was assigned to the 6th MAS, McGuire AFB, New Jersey to fly the C-141 Starlifter. The C-141's speed and range took him to every part of the globe.

After leaving active duty in June 1972, Jim joined the 702 Military Airlift Squadron at McGuire AFB. Flying with the same people, missions and aircraft that he had on active duty.

He left the reserves to join the New Jersey Air National Guard in June 1973. The 170th Aeromedical Evacuation Group was getting a new aircraft to fly, the C-7A Caribou. In 1975 he ferried a C-7 from Bangkok, Thailand, island hopping across the pacific, back to New Jersey. He considered the "memorable" 30-day journey across the Pacific Ocean a highlight of his service in the military. He flew his favorite aircraft until the KC-135 replaced the Caribou in 1978. While flying as an instructor pilot in the KC-135 tanker, he became the Commander of the 150 Air Refueling Squadron from 1989 to 1992. The squadron was called to active duty in response to Desert Shield/Storm. He rose to the rank of Colonel when he became the Director of Operations, Headquarters NJANG between 1992 and 1997. His 20 awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. He was awarded the Major General Francis R. Gerard trophy by the National Guard Association of New Jersey in 1989 and 1991 signifying him as the New Jersey National Guard aviator of the year.
Airlines

Mr. Davis' colorful 32-year career in commercial aviation started in July 1972 and spanned 18 years with Eastern Airlines until their end in 1990. A six-month stay with Northwest Airlines bridged the gap between Eastern and United Airlines. He attained the rank of Captain on the Airbus A-320 before his retirement after 14 years of service with United in September 2004.

During his dual careers he has flown the T-41, T-37, T-38, C-7, C-141, KC-135 A & E, F-100, F-16, L-188, B-727, B-757, B-767, B-747-400, DC-9, A-319 and A-320. He flew 5100 hours in his 30-year military career while serving in the USAF, USAFR, and the NJANG. He flew 18000 hours in his well-traveled 32 years in commercial aviation. A stickler for safety, Captain/Colonel Davis completed his career in aviation with an accident and incident free record.