John R. Dailey
General, U.S. Marine Corps

John R. Dailey was born on 17 February 1934 in Quantico, VA. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California - Los Angeles in 1956.

Marine Corps Career

Upon graduation from UCLA, Dailey was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1956. He completed The Basic School prior to flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1958. His operational experience includes over 7,000 flying hours in fighters; light attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare aircraft; transports; and helicopters.

In 1972, Dailey served as Commanding Officer, Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron-l, and also commanded a Carrier Task Unit supporting combat operations in North Vietnam. During two tours in Vietnam, he flew 450 combat missions. Returning to the U.S. in May 1973, Dailey was assigned to the Aviation Weapons Requirements Branch, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, DC. In 1975 he entered the National War College and, after graduation, returned to the Aviation Plans and Programs Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps.

In 1978, Dailey took command of Marine Aircraft Group-ll, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro. He assumed new duties in July 1980 as Chief of Staff, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. He returned to Headquarters Marine Corps in July 1981 and was assigned as Head, Aviation Plans, Programs, Budget and Joint Doctrine Branch. After promotion to Brigadier General in May 1982, Dailey became Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation. In May 1985 he took Command of the 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Dailey was promoted to Major General on 12 June 1986, and took Command of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC. He was assigned duty as the Commandant, Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA, on 30 July 1987. Dailey assumed command of the Marine Corps Research, Development and Acquisition Command in Washington on 21 August 1989 and was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant General on 24 November 1989. He was appointed to the rank of General and assumed the post as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Chief of Staff, on 1 August 1990.

General Dailey retired from the Marine Corps in 1992.

Medals and Awards

Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal w/ 1 award star & Strike/Flight Numeral "22"
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ Valor Device
Combat Action Ribbon
Navy Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Badges

Naval Aviator Badge

In Retirement

After retirement from the Marine Corps, Dailey served as Acting Associate Director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from 1992 to 1999. While at NASA, General Dailey led the Agency reinvention activities initiated by the NASA Administrator, guiding the development of new management processes in the face of a reduced budget environment.

Since 2000, Dailey has served as the Director of the National Air and Space Museum.