Retired effective Sep 30 1996
Major General James F. Brown is chief of staff, Alabama Air National Guard.
He graduated from Phillips High School, Birmingham, Ala., and attended
Jacksonville State University, where he undertook course in general studies, 1956; and
Jefferson State Community College,1970. His military education includes Squadron Officer
School ,1969; Air Command and Staff College, 1972; and the Air War College, 1977.
General Brown began his military career by enlisting in theAlabama ANG in April 1955. His first assignment was with the 117th Transportation Squadron as an apprentice vehicle operator. He progressed through this career field, attaining the position of motor transportation supervisor, and the rank of staff sergeant. He was called to active duty in October 1961, during the Berlin Crisis, and served at Druex Air Base, France. In October 1962, General Brown received a direct commission as second lieutenant and was appointed surface transportation officer. In February 1963, General Brown was transferred to the 106th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, and completed undergraduate pilot training at Webb Air Force Base, Texas. He received his wings in March 1964, and returned to the106th as a line pilot in the RF-84F aircraft. General Brown became an air technician in October 1965,as base equipment management officer.
In 1971, the unit converted to the RF-4C aircraft. General Brown attended the tactical reconnaissance conversion course at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, in April 1971, and subsequently became the first guardsman to log 1,000 flying hours in the RF-4C aircraft. His operational duties for the tactical squadron have included flight instructor, flight commander, operations officer, and commander. His wing staff assignments have included chief, standardization/evaluation; chief, plans and scheduling; chief of training; operations officer, and chief of safety. General Brown was the commander for the first tactical ANG unit to be deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He was assigned to his current position as chief of staff, Alabama ANG on Sept. 30, 1993.
General Brown is a command pilot with over 5,725 flying hours, of which more than 3,800 are in the RF-4C aircraft. During his career, he has flown the T-37B, T-38A, T-33A, RF-84F, RF-40, F-4C, C-47 and C-131D. His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Campaign Medal with one bronze star, Air Force Overseas Ribbon - Short, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters,Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two hourglass devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon. His other ribbons include the Distinguished Service Medal of Alabama, Alabama Faithful Service Medal with eleven St. Andrews Crosses, Operation Desert Storm Ribbon, National Emergency Service Medal with Berlin Crisis device, and Alabama Recruiting Ribbon.
General Brown's civic affiliations include the National Guard Association of the United States and Alabama; Enlisted National Guard Association of the United States and Alabama; Air Force Association;board of governors, Birmingham AERO Club; board of directors, Southern Museum of Flight; past chairman, Greater Birmingham Aviation Safety Committee; American Legion; Zamora Shrine Temple;Scottish Rite and past master, Wahouma Masonic Lodge.
General Brown was promoted to and federally recognized as a major general on March 14, 1996.
(Current as of February 2001)
The date of publication indicated on this biography reflects the most recent update. It does not necessarily reflect the date of printing.