Background
Cross was born in Andalusia, Alabama on April 25, 1925, to James Kenison Cross and Susie Jesse Wells Cross.
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James Underwood
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Education
He attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) for two years before being recalled to active duty in the United States. Air Force.
Career
He was a military aide and chief Air Force One pilot under United States president Lyndon B. Johnson. General Cross was trained as a pilot by the United States. Army and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States. Army Air Forces in November, 1944. Cross began his military career flying transport aircraft in World World War World War II After joining the Air Force Reserve in 1946, he was recalled to active duty in 1948 and served at military bases flying transport aircraft in the Philippines, South Carolina, Newfoundland, and Delaware.
Cross was sent to Bolling Air Force Base in Washington District of Columbia in 1958, where he served as pilot for Very Important Person aircraft.
In 1961, he was appointed military aide and pilot to Vice President Lyndon Johnson. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963, Johnson requested that Cross become qualified to fly the Boeing 707, the 707 being the airframe on which the United States Air Force Venture capital-137 presidential aircraft is based.
He served as a co-pilot for one year and then served as Armed Forces Aide and pilot to President Lyndon Johnson from 1965 to 1968. In August 2010, Cross arranged for one of the C-140 Lockheed JetStar planes formerly used to transport President Johnson from the White House to his Texas ranch to be loaned from the National Museum of the United States Air Force, refinished and relocated to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in honor of what would have been Johnson"s 102nd birthday.
Colonel Glenn joined Cross in the cockpit on the flight back to Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
July 11, 2015 (aged 90)
Awards
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legionnaire of Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal; Presidential Service Badge; Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross; Legion of Merit; Air Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.