Vernon E. James

Vernon Elwood James was born in Tyrone, Pennsylvania on 15 November 1929, the Boyd H. James and Edith (Swartz) James. He was raised and educated in Tyrone, and graduated from Tyrone High School in 1948. Family In August 1950, James married to Anna Belle Lucas. They were the parents of three children, Deborah, Joy, and Stephen. ==Start of career==

In March 1947, James joined Service Company, 104th Armored Cavalry Regiment as a private. He was promoted to private first class later in 1947. In February 1950, he was promoted to corporal. He was promoted to sergeant in December 1950. In November 1952, James received a direct commission as a second lieutenant of Armor and was assigned to the 104th Armored Cavalry as the regimental maintenance officer. James advanced steadily through staff and command positions of increased rank and responsibility. 2nd Squadron, 104th Armored Cavalry beginning in January 1971; 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment beginning in April 1975; and the 56th Infantry Brigade beginning in June 1977. • United States Army Command and General Staff College (1974) • Infantry Field Grade Officer Refresher Course (1974, 1975) • Senior Reserve Component Officer Course, United States Army War College ==Continued career==

In August 1980, James was appointed assistant division commander of the 28th Infantry Division and he received promotion to brigadier general. He retired from the military on 30 November 1989. In retirement, James continued to reside in Tyrone. He was a member of the Blair County Veterans Association, Association of the United States Army, Military Officers Association of America, 28th Division Heritage Association, National Guard Association of Pennsylvania, and U.S. Army Armor Association. James died in Tyrone on 22 April 2010. He was buried at Blair Memorial Park in Bellwood, Pennsylvania. Awards James's awards and decorations included the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Pennsylvania Distinguished Service Medal, and Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal. He was a recipient of the Armor Association's Honorable Order of St. George. At his retirement, James was promoted to lieutenant general on Pennsylvania's retired list. ==Dates of rank==

• Major General (retired), 30 November 1989 • Major General, 1 May 1985 • Brigadier General, 18 August 1980 • Colonel, August 1977 • Lieutenant Colonel, 2 May 1971 • Major, 23 March 1966 • Captain, 11 December 1961 • Second Lieutenant, 25 November 1952 • Enlisted service, 1 March 1947 to 24 November 1952 ==References==