James McEachin

James McEachin joined the United States Army on August 8, 1947. He received his basic training while assigned to the 24th U. S. Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, a prideful, all-black unit, in Fort Dix, New Jersey, an outfit that he would write about almost fifty years later in his award-winning novel, “Farewell to the Mockingbirds.” After basic training, the division was shipped to Gifu, Japan, but James remained with King Company, 24th Regiment for a year, then transferred to the 212th Military Police under 8th Army in Yokohama, Japan. He remained in occupied Japan until his three-year enlistment was over and returned stateside on June 5, 1950.

James received his discharge the day before the army froze all discharges – a measure taken because of a cross-border invasion by Communist North Korea that soon overwhelmed the weak South Korean forces and triggered the start of the Korean War. Trained for war, he immediately re-enlisted, arriving in Korea in October 1950. Within hours, he was on the front lines, serving with the 2nd Division’s, 9th Infantry Regiment. On a pre-dawn patrol on August 13, 1952, he sustained multiple wounds to the abdomen and thigh area and was hospitalized. After undergoing several operations, he volunteered to return to the front lines in Korea. James remained on the front line until he was ordered to return home due to reoccurring injuries, and battle fatigue. He was discharged on September 9, 1953. In addition to the Purple Heart, James received the Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. In January 2001, James was awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award from Morgan State University. At the completion of his military service, James went to work for the local fire and police departments in Hackensack, New Jersey. Later, he began a career in the entertainment business.

James' career span as an actor ranged from 1960 – 1990, and included several Perry Mason series, Matlock’s Diary of a Perfect Murder, Sudden Impact, and several other movies. His career as an award-winning author also includes novels: “The Great Cunis Lupus”, “Say Goodnight to the Boys in Blue”, “The Heroin Factor”, and “Tell Me a Tale.”

On Veterans Day 2004, James released his latest CD, "Voices, A Tribute to the American Veteran."  According to James, "...The sole purpose of this offering is to pay tribute to those who have served and are now serving this nation.  It is to honor those who have fought and died for the principles of freedom that we, as Americans, so enjoy today."

For more information about James, visit his web site at www.jamesmceachin.com.

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