James B. Busey IV

James Buchanan Busey IV
Admiral James B. Busey IV
Nickname(s)	"Jim"
Born	October 2, 1932 Peoria, Illinois
Allegiance	United States of America
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 combat 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 Busey´s aircraft by North Vietnamese Anti-Aircraft guns, he regained control of his plane and continued 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
1st Row	Navy Cross
2nd Row	Defense Distinguished Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters				Navy Distinguished Service Medal with two gold award 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 gold award numeral 5 and bronze Strike/flight numeral 20
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 service 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 six 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

1. "Public papers of the Presidents of the United States, Volume 2"
2. "Valor awards for James Buchanan Busey IV - Hall of Valor". militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
3. "Larger role for aviation center" The Telegraph (Nashua). 20 December 1989
4. http://ir.curtisswright.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=308067

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