Major General James F. Hamlet distinguished himself by outstanding service as an aviator, aviation staff officer, and aviation commander during an Army career spanning more than 38 years.

His 29 years as an Army Aviator included aviation staff duty in key positions in logistics, operations, force development, and combat development. In these assignments, he was particularly influential during the formative years of the Army's aviation doctrine and organization.

During the Vietnam War, General Hamlet served three years in combat flying assignments. The range of his combat aviation command experience is unique - an aviation battalion; an aviation group; assistant division commander in both the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile); and finally command of the reinforced 3d Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division which remained in Vietnam after the Division returned to the U.S.

Well known and highly respected among Army Aviators, General Hamlet was a model of selfless service and dedication to the Army and to Army Aviation