James Buchanan Busey IV (October 2, 1932 – April 21, 2023) was an American government official and four-star admiral of the United States Navy."Public papers of the Presidents of the United States, Volume 2" He served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 1985 to 1987 and as Commander in Chief, United States Naval Forces Europe/Commander in Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe from 1987 to 1989.
Early years James Buchanan Busey IV was born on October 2, 1932, in the city of Peoria, Illinois, son of James Buchanan Busey III and Louise (née Rogers).Who's Who in Finance and Industry, Marquis Who's Who Inc., 1991, p. 127 In January 1952, Busey entered the United States 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 Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees.
Vietnam War
In January 1967, Busey was transferred to the Attack Squadron 163 ("Saints") and served as a pilot in Vietnam War. During one operation near Hanoi, North Vietnam, Busey commanded a group of six aircraft with the task of bombing the Hanoi thermal power plant. Despite the damage caused to his aircraft by North Vietnamese anti-aircraft fire, Busey regained control of his plane and continued his mission. Busey destroyed the target and returned to . For this action, he received the Navy Cross.
Busey's other decorations from the Vietnam War included the Legion of Merit with "V" Device, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Air Medal and a Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device.
Retirement After retiring from the navy, Busey served as the chief administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from 1989 to 1991."Larger role for aviation center" The Telegraph (Nashua). 20 December 1989 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.
Busey died in Lincoln, California, on April 21, 2023.
Personal life Busey married Jean L. Cole.Who's Who in Finance and Industry, Marquis Who's Who Inc., 1991, p. 127 Their children are: James Buchanan Busey V (1962–2008), chief engineer of unmanned aerial vehicle testing at the Naval Air Test Center, Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland, and member of the National Transportation Safety Board; with his wife, Charlotte (m. 1992) father of James Buchanan Busey VI and of Jessica Lynn Busey. Angela R. B. Busey, married to Michael Presto, of Fresno, California. Nancy J. B. Busey, married to Dennis Naumann, of Grass Valley, California.
Awards
Naval Aviator Badge1st RowNavy Cross2nd RowDefense Distinguished Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clustersNavy Distinguished Service Medal with two gold award starsLegion of Merit with four Gold Stars and "V" Device3rd RowDistinguished Flying Cross with two Gold StarsBronze Star Medal with "V" DeviceAir Medal with gold award numeral 5 and bronze Strike/flight numeral 204th RowNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three Gold Stars and "V" DeviceNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "V" DeviceNavy Unit Commendation with one bronze service star5th RowNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze StarsNavy Expeditionary MedalChina Service Medal6th RowNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze StarArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalVietnam Service Medal with six service stars7th RowNavy Sea Service Deployment RibbonNavy Distinguished Service Order 2nd ClassVietnam Gallantry Cross with one Gold Star8th RowVietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st ClassVietnam Gallantry Cross Unit AwardVietnam Campaign Medal
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Biographic information