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James Kriel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | (1942-03-08)8 March 1942 Cape Town, South Africa |
| Died | 18 July 2016(2016-07-18) (aged 74) Bredasdorp, South Africa |
| Allegiance |  South Africa |
| Service/ |  South African Air Force |
| Years of service | 1959–1996 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held |
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| Awards |               |
Lieutenant-General James Kriel SSAS SD SM MMM (8 March 1942 – 18 July 2016) was a South African military commander. He joined the South African Air Force in 1959.
Kriel attended Tygerberg High School before doing a pilot course in 1959. He served as OC 35 Squadron SAAFatAFB Ysterplaat from 1974 to 1977, flying the Avro Shackleton. He later served as Officer Commanding AFB Ysterplaat as a colonel before being transferred to Headquarters in the role of director air planning as a brigadier.[1]
Kriel was promoted to Chief of Air Staff Operations as a major general in 1986, followed by Chief of Air Force staff till 1991, when he was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed Chief of the Air Force.[2]
Kriel died on 18 July 2016 at the age of 74.[3] He married Nellie Toerien on 4 August 1963. She was the daughter of Mattheus and Catharina (Née Bosman)
He was awarded the Order of the Star of South Africa (Silver) in 1994.[4]
Star of South Africa (Silver) (SSAS)
Southern Cross Decoration (SD)
Southern Cross Medal (1975) (SM)
Military Merit Medal (MMM)
Pro Patria Medal
Southern Africa Medal
General Service Medal (South Africa)
Unitas (Unity) Medal
Good Service Medal (Gold (30 Years))
Good Service Medal (Silver (20 Years))
Good Service Medal (Bronze (10 Years))
Legion of Merit (Commander) (LOM) (USA)
Order of the Cloud and Banner (3rd Grade - with Yellow Grand Cordon) (ORB) (Taiwan)
Order of Precious Tripod (with Red Grand Cordon) (Taiwan)| Military offices | ||
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| Preceded by | Chief of the South African Air Force 1991–1996 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Chief of Air Force Staff 1990–1991 |
Succeeded by Unknown |
| Preceded by | Chief of Air Staff Operations 1990 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Deputy Chief of Staff Operations 1987–1990 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by Unknown |
Chief of Air Staff Operations 1986–1987 | |
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