He also commanded the 39th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Wing, the Air Reserve Personnel Center, and served as Vice Director of the Joint Staff for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In addition, he was Commandant of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

General Dalton's education was extensive, including two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from the University of Michigan. He was a distinguished graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

His military decorations were numerous, including three awards of the nation’s highest peacetime medal, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, as well as the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnamese Service Ribbon with six campaign stars, among others.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1985, General Dalton continued to contribute to national defense as a Vice President at Logicon Inc., where he eventually became General Manager of the Defense Technology Group, overseeing more than 2,100 employees and annual sales in excess of $200 million.

General Dalton was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Pacific Council on International Policy, and the Order of Daedalians, and served as a trustee of the Falcon Foundation of the USAF Academy.

A proud member of the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Hall of Fame, General Dalton’s ties to his alma mater remained strong throughout his life. His legacy of leadership, service, and excellence continues to inspire Technites and future generations of leaders.

General James Dalton is survived by his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service to his country, his community, and Brooklyn Tech.