LBJ’s pilot shares story in Eufaula

By Anastasia Harbuck

Published: June 12, 2008

Coach Jack Powell knows how to pick his friends.
That was evident Tuesday night when he introduced his long time pal, James Cross, to an audience of Eufaula citizens at the Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce.
“The one thing that stands out is his loyalty,” Powell said.
He introduced Cross not only as his loyal friend, but as an Air Force One pilot and aide and confidante to President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Brigadier General James U. Cross visited the chamber Tuesday night to promote his new book “Around the World with Lyndon B. Johnson.” Cross served as pilot to Air Force One throughout the Johnson administration and was a close friend and military aide to President Johnson.
But Cross’ beginnings were humble. He grew up alongside Powell in their native Pleasant Home where they played on the same basketball team. Cross was later drafted into the military during World War II where he became an experienced pilot. When he returned home, he attended Auburn University and later joined the Berlin Airlift.
“But I wasn’t sent to Berlin. I was sent to the Philippine Islands!” he laughed.
He accumulated “thousands of hours” of flight time and joined the VIP squadron which would accommodate special guests to the president as well as the vice president.
Cross says it was “pure luck” that led to him becoming pilot of Air Force One when he piloted then Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson.
“He must have liked the way I parted my hair,” Cross joked.
Cross became pilot to Air Force One and served President Johnson loyally throughout his administration. Cross spoke Tuesday of several exciting experiences and hairy situations during his time as Air Force One pilot.
Though Cross piloted a Bowing 707 and a Lockheed Jet Star during his time as pilot, he told his audience that anytime the president steps aboard an aircraft, it automatically becomes “Air Force One.”
Cross also spoke of the extreme secrecy under which the president travels. “Angel is airborne” is code for Air Force One takeoff, said Cross. He also described the planning that goes into one trip with the president - many cargo planes accompany Air Force One carrying such equipment as bulletproof limousines.
Cross piloted Johnson everywhere from Uruguay to Germany to Guam and remained Johnson’s devoted friend until the former president’s death.
“He was at times a difficult man,” he said.
“But the ones he appreciated he got on their six o’clock,” he laughs, using as old pilot term for an aircraft’s tail. “I had my six o’clock in the woodshed with LBJ many times!”
Cross also remains a close friend to his school buddy, Powell. “This is the best friend I’ve got that’s still living,” said Cross of Powell Tuesday night.
“He was able to demonstrate character. He’s been able to accomplish the impossible,” said Powell. “His loyalty is beyond explanation. That went far beyond piloting a plane.”