Vernon E. James

Vernon E. James (15 November 1929 – 22 April 2010) was a career officer in the United States Army. A longtime member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, he served from 1946 to 1989 and attained the rank of major general. James commanded a cavalry troop and squadron, and an infantry battalion and brigade. His career culminated with command of the 28th Infantry Division from 1985 to 1989, and his awards included the Army Distinguished Service Medal.

A native of Tyrone, Pennsylvania, where he was raised and educated, James graduated from Tyrone High School in 1948. He began his civilian career with the Pennsylvania Railroad before becoming an employee of the Westvaco paper mill in Tyrone, where he held several technician and management positions before becoming the plant's employee involvement coordinator, the post he held at the time of his 1991 retirement. In 1989, James completed a bachelor's degree in social sciences at Tennessee's Cumberland University.

James had begun his military before his high school graduation by joining the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a private in March 1947. As a member of Service Company, 104th Armored Cavalry Regiment, he was promoted to sergeant and served until November 1952, when he received a direct commission as a second lieutenant. James advanced through the ranks in command and staff assignments of increasing rank and responsibility, and his command assignments included: Troop M, 3rd Squadron, 104th Armored Cavalry Regiment; 2nd Squadron, 104th Armored Cavalry Regiment; 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment; and 56th Infantry Brigade. In 1985, he was assigned to command the 28th Infantry Division, which he led until retiring in 1989.

In retirement, James continued to reside in Tyrone. He died in Tyrone on 22 April 2010. James was buried at Blair Memorial Park in Bellwood, Pennsylvania.

Early life 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. 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) He retired from the military on 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