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James Buchanan Busey IV
James B Busey IV
Admiral James B. Busey IV
Nickname "Jim"
Born October 2, 1932(1932-10-02) (age 92)
Place of birth Peoria, Illinois
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service 1952 - 1989
Rank US-O10 insignia 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[]

Naval Aviator Badge
Navy Cross ribbon
Gold star
Gold star
Defense Distinguished Service ribbon
Gold star
Gold star
Navy Distinguished Service ribbon
V
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Legion of Merit ribbon
Gold star
Gold star
Distinguished Flying Cross ribbon
V
Bronze Star ribbon
Gold star
Gold star
Air Medal ribbon
V
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation ribbon
V
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement ribbon
Bronze star
Navy Unit Commendation ribbon
Bronze star
Bronze star
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon
Navy Expeditionary ribbon China Service Medal ribbon
Bronze star
National Defense Service Medal ribbon
AFEMRib
Bronze star
Bronze star
Vietnam Service Ribbon
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Vietnam Navy Distinguished Service Order Ribbon 2nd class
Gold star
Vietnam gallantry cross-3d
Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal Ribbon Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d Vietnam Campaign Medal Ribbon
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[]

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