James Henderson Douglas Jr. (March 11, 1899 – February 24, 1988) was a lawyer and senior-level official in the United States Government.

[1] He attended Princeton University, where he received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army in 1918.

After leaving the Federal Government, he founded the Citizens Committee on Monetary Policy to oppose President Roosevelt's financial program.

[1] After serving as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Douglas returned to Chicago to practice law.

He had duty assignments in South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, rising from Major (United States) to Colonel in three and a half years.

In January 1960, he became Deputy Secretary of Defense, filling the position left vacant since the sudden death of Donald A. Quarles in May 1959.

[5] Douglas advised the President regarding a course of action in response to The Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik I in October 1957.

He also reaffirmed the 1925 court-martial verdict against air power advocate Brigadier General Billy Mitchell.

[6] In 1956 SAC received its new high-altitude strategic reconnaissance aircraft Martin RB-57D Canberra and in 1957 as part of The New Look massive retaliation program, Secretary Douglas ordered SAC's fleet of RB-57D to be relocated into Rhein-Main Air Force Base in West Germany in order to conduct reconnaissance missions within The Soviet Union Satellite Nations.

[7] In April 1959, the secretary of the air force issued implementing instructions to USAF to deploy two Jupiter squadrons to Italy.

In October 1959, the location of the third and final Jupiter MRBM squadron was settled when a government-to-government agreement was signed with Turkey.

[8][7] On January 18, 1961, President Eisenhower presented Douglas with the Medal of Freedom for his distinguished service to the United States.

It also cited his "sound judgment, wise leadership and great devotion to his country", and his "firm and unyielding dedication to principles of good government".