| James Buchanan Busey IV | |
|---|---|
 Admiral James B. Busey IV | |
| Nickname | "Jim" |
| Born | October 2, 1932 |
| Place of birth | Peoria, Illinois |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1952 - 1989 |
| Rank |
 Admiral |
| Commands held |
Vice Chief of Naval Operations VA-216 VFA-125 NAS Lemoore |
| Battles/wars |
Cold War Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Navy Cross Defense DSM (3) Navy DSM (3) Legion of Merit (5) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Bronze Star Medal |
Admiral James Buchanan Busey IV (born October 7, 1932) is a retired United States Navy four star admiral.[1] He served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), from 1985 to 1987 and as Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Commander in Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe (CINCUSNAVEUR/CINCSOUTH) from 1987 to 1989.
Early years[]
James Buchanan Busey IV was born on October 7, 1932 in the city of Peoria, Illinois. In January 1952, Busey entered the U.S. Navy and attended the basic training at Boot Camp of Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois. In March 1953, Busey was chosen to Aviation Cadet Training Program at Pensacola, Florida.
During the years 1967, Busey served at various Naval posts, including Naval Air Station Cecil Field or Naval Air Station Jacksonville. In July 1964, Busey attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and earned there his BS and MBA degrees.
Vietnam War[]
In January 1967, Busey was transferred to the U.S. Attack Squadron 163 ("Saints") and served as a pilot in Vietnam War. During the combats near Hanoi, North Vietnam, Busey commanded the group of six aircraft with the task of bombing the Hanoi thermal power plant.
Despite the damage of the Busey´s aircraft by North Vietnamese Anti-Aircraft guns, he regained the control of his plane and continued in his mission. Busey destroyed the target and returned to USS Oriskany. For this action, Busey received the Navy Cross.[2]
His other decorations from Vietnam War, including Legion of Merit with "V" Device, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medal or Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device.
Retirement[]
After retiring from the navy, he served as the chief administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from 1989 to 1991.[3] He then served as United States Deputy Secretary of Transportation from 1991 to 1992. Afterwards, he became a board member at Curtiss-Wright until 2008.[4]
Awards[]
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| Naval Aviator Badge | |||||||||||||
| 1st Row | Navy Cross | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row | Defense Distinguished Service Medal with two Gold Stars | Navy Distinguished Service Medal with two Gold Stars | Legion of Merit with four Gold Stars and "V" Device | ||||||||||
| 3rd Row | Distinguished Flying Cross with two Gold Stars | Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device | Air Medal with two Gold Stars | ||||||||||
| 4th Row | Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three Gold Stars and "V" Device | Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "V" Device | Navy Unit Commendation with one bronze star | ||||||||||
| 5th Row | Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze Stars | Navy Expeditionary Medal | China Service Medal | ||||||||||
| 6th Row | National Defense Service Medal with one bronze Star | Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal | Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars | ||||||||||
| 7th Row | Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon | Navy Distinguished Service Order 2nd Class | Vietnam Gallantry Cross with one Gold Star | ||||||||||
| 8th Row | Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class | Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Award | Vietnam Campaign Medal | ||||||||||
References[]
- ↑ "Public papers of the Presidents of the United States, Volume 2"
- ↑ "Valor awards for James Buchanan Busey IV - Hall of Valor". militarytimes.com. http://www.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=4401. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
- ↑ "Larger role for aviation center" The Telegraph (Nashua). 20 December 1989
- ↑ http://ir.curtisswright.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=308067
The original article can be found at James B. Busey IV and the edit history here.