The house on the left was the birthplace of Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr., the first African American four star general. The steps on the right are the remnants of the private school run by his mother, Mrs. Lillie James, where he received his earliest education. He was among the dedicated, determined young men who enlisted to become America's first black military airmen at a time when many people thought black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism. He is listed on the official roster of Tuskegee Airmen pilot graduates and trained pilots for the famed all-black 99th Pursuit Squadron. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was ultimately assigned as Commander in Chief of the North American Defense Command and Aerospace Defense Command, with responsibility for all facets of air defense in the United States and Canada.