FEMA is deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Julius
Becton Jr. on Nov. 28. Becton dedicated his life to serving the American people
and made history as the first African American leader of FEMA.
A decorated veteran, Becton joined the Army Air Corps in 1944. He
separated from the army briefly in 1946 in protest of the racism he witnessed
and experienced.
“It was a segregated Army and a segregated country," said
Becton. “While I could take risks and spill my blood in defense of democracy, I
had to sit in the back of the bus. And my enemy, the German and Italian
prisoners of war, rode in the front."
When President Truman issued an executive order in 1948 calling
for desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces, Becton returned to serve in the
Korean War and the Vietnam War. He eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant
general. His decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver
Stars, two Legion of Merit medals and two Purple Hearts.
After nearly 40 years of service, Becton retired from the U.S.
Army. However, his career in public service was far from over. From 1984 to
1985, he served as the Director of the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance
for the U.S. Agency for International Development.
In 1985, President Ronald Reagan nominated Becton to lead FEMA. He
was confirmed on Oct. 28, 1985. Becton's legacy at FEMA lies in his efforts to
reform the organization. Prior to his arrival, the agency had come under
investigation for misuse of funds, leading to the resignation of his
predecessor. Becton worked tirelessly during his term to restore integrity
within FEMA and rebuild public trust. His knowledge of the realities of war
made him a great fit to lead our agency in confronting the realities of disasters.
Becton was known for the efforts he put into connecting with FEMA
employees. He often met with FEMA staff at all-hands meetings to hear people's
concerns and to project a new image for FEMA. Becton played a critical role in
diversifying FEMA's workforce, to include people of different backgrounds and
experiences. Because of his efforts, our workforce better reflected the
communities we serve, leading us to better understand how we can effectively
help them, a mission that we continue to work on improving each day.
Becton went on to serve as a director to several corporations,
academic institutions, and associations, but the work he did to better FEMA
continued long after he left.
On March 8, 2018, FEMA dedicated the National Response
Coordination Center in Becton's name. At the renaming ceremony, Becton was
presented with a plaque by former FEMA Administrator Brock Long.
Engraved on the plaque is a quote from Becton: “It's clear to me
that if there were no FEMA, someone would have to invent one. We must have a
full appreciation for what the country is faced with and we cannot wait on
responding. Anytime you have a delay in action, there is a potential for losing
lives."
Becton laid the foundation for what the agency is today. The work
he did will continue to shape FEMA's core values and its mission for many years
to come.
Read more about Becton's
military service and original press release announcing his
swearing in archived in the CIA reading room!
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