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James Buchanan Busey IV
James B. Busey IV, FAA Administrator official portrait.jpg
Busey as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, 1989
5th United States Deputy Secretary of Transportation
In office
December 4, 1991 – February 21, 1992
President George H. W. Bush
Secretary Samuel K. Skinner
Preceded by Elaine Chao
Succeeded by Mortimer L. Downey
11th Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
In office
June 30, 1989 – December 4, 1991
President George H. W. Bush
Preceded by T. Allan McArtor
Succeeded by Thomas C. Richards
22nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations
In office
September 1985 – March 1987
President Ronald Reagan
Preceded by Ronald J. Hays
Succeeded by Huntington Hardisty
Personal details
Born (1932-10-02) October 2, 1932 (age 91)
Peoria, Illinois, U.S.
Nickname "Jim"
Military service
Branch/service United States Navy
Years of service 1952–1989
Rank Admiral
Commands
  • Vice Chief of Naval Operations
  • Naval Air Station Lemoore
  • VA-216
  • VFA-125
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards

James Buchanan Busey IV (born October 7, 1932) is a former American government official and retired four-star admiral of the United States Navy. 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 7, 1932, in the city of Peoria, Illinois, son of James Buchanan Busey III and Louise (née Rogers). 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

James B Busey IV
Admiral Busey in May 1986

In January 1967, Busey was transferred to the 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 (CV-34). For this action, Busey received the Navy Cross.

Busey's other decorations from Vietnam War included the Legion of Merit with "V" Device, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medal and 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. 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.

Personal life

Busey married Jean L. Cole. 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, CA; mother of Rose.
Nancy J. B. Busey, married to Dennis Naumann, of Grass Valley, CA; mother of Cole.

Awards

Naval Aviator Badge.jpg
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Gold star
Gold star
"V" device, gold.svg 1 golden star.svg1 golden star.svg1 golden star.svg1 golden star.svg
Gold star
Gold star
V
Award numeral 5 golden.pngAward numeral 2.svgAward numeral 0.png
"V" device, gold.svg1 golden star.svg1 golden star.svg1 golden star.svg
V
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Silver star
Bronze star
Gold star
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
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