Brigadier General James P. Ulm is director, North American Aerospace Defense Command Planning Staff, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.
General Ulm was born in 1937, in Frankfort, Ind. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1961 and a master’s degree from The George Washington University in 1973. The general completed Naval Command and Staff College in 1973, and Air War College as a distinguished graduate in 1982.
He was commissioned upon graduation from the academy and entered pilot training at Reese Air Force Base, Texas. After receiving wings in September 1962, he was assigned to McChord Air Force Base, Wash., where he became a C-124 aircraft commander.
In September 1965 General Ulm attended C-130 combat crew training school before reporting to the 79th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as an HC-130 rescue crew commander. In March 1968 he was assigned to the 39th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Tuy Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, where he flew more than 740 combat hours in the HC-130.
Upon his return from Southeast Asia in March 1969, General Ulm was assigned as deputy chief of staff for operations, Directorate of Training, Headquarters Military Airlift Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He served as air officer commanding at the Air Force Academy from June 1970 until August 1972, when he entered the Naval Command and Staff College at Newport, R.I.
General Ulm was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., in June 1973 as assistant executive officer in the Directorate of Personnel Programs. He assumed command of the 3555th Recruiting Squadron, Milwaukee, in June 1976.
In June 1978 the general transferred to the 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance Air Force Base, Okla., where he commanded the 8th Flying Training Squadron until June 1980. He later served as director of operations and assistant deputy commander for operations for the wing. In June 1981 he departed Vance to attend Air War College.
General Ulm was assigned as deputy commander for operations, 64th Flying Training Wing, Reese Air Force Base, Texas, from May 1982 to August 1983. He then became director of standardization and evaluation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters Air Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
In August 1984 General Ulm was assigned to Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., as commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing. He became inspector general at Air Training Command headquarters in January 1987. In December 1987 he was assigned as a command director for North American Aerospace Defense Command combat operations, Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Colo., and in August 1989 he was appointed vice director of combat operations. He assumed his present position in June 1990.
The general is a command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours, including more than 740 combat hours. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.
He was promoted to brigadier general Jan. 1, 1988, with same date of rank.
Retired September 01, 1991
A very complete and appreciated history of my brothers exceptional service to our country.
I had the pleasure to work directly for Col Ulm while he was commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing. He was like John Wayne in a flight suit. Nothing but respect for him and appreciate the example and mentorship he provided me.
I remember Jim as a very good, left-handed basketball player. John Wayne as a Hot Dog is a good analogy.
George Dorner ’57
Jim was a very good left handed basketball player, played his first year at Air Force Academy under Dean Smith. Put together really good statistics during his Academy years. He resides in Boerne, Texas. His brother Tom was a stand out Hot Dog football player under Reece Hinnegar. My brother Pat returned to play Hot Dog basketball and put together nice statistics. My sister continued her education in Cleveland, Ohio. I left Frankfort as our family moved and I attended St. Meinrad High Seminary. We were all first generation college graduates, advanced degrees, educators, and always thankful for our Frankfort roots.