Julien J. LeBourgeois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julien J. LeBourgeois
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 23 November 1923 Southern Pines, North Carolina |
| Died | 16 September 2012 (aged 88) Williamsburg, Virginia |
| Buried |
United States Naval Academy Cemetery
|
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1944–1977 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | Naval War College Southern Anti-Air/Search and Rescue Element USS Halsey (DLG-23) USS Norris (DD-859) |
| Battles/wars | World War II
|
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" |
Julien Johnson LeBourgeois (born November 23, 1923 – died September 16, 2012) was a very important leader in the United States Navy. He was a Vice Admiral, which is a high rank. His long career included serving during World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. He commanded large ships like cruisers and destroyers. Later, he became the President of the Naval War College, a special school for Navy leaders.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Julien LeBourgeois was born in Southern Pines, North Carolina, on November 23, 1923. His father was also a Commander in the U.S. Navy. Julien grew up in places like Long Beach, California, and Suva, American Samoa. He went to the Georgia Military Academy in College Park, Georgia.
In 1941, he joined the United States Naval Academy, a famous school for future Navy officers. He was part of the track team there. Because of World War II, he finished his studies in just three years, graduating in 1944.
Serving in World War II
Julien LeBourgeois's first job in the Navy was as a gunnery officer on the light cruiser USS Columbia (CL-56). This ship was fighting against Japan in the Pacific War. He saw a lot of action during this time.
Aboard the Columbia, he was part of the Palau campaign, including the Battle of Peleliu. He also fought in the Leyte campaign, where the Columbia took part in the Battle of Surigao Strait. This was a big naval battle during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
The Columbia also helped with the invasion of Mindoro and the invasion of Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines. During the Lingayen Gulf invasion, three Japanese kamikaze planes hit the Columbia. For its bravery, the ship received a special award called the Presidential Unit Citation. After that, the Columbia helped with the invasion of Balikpapan and swept for enemy ships in the South China Sea.
From 1946 to 1965
LeBourgeois stayed on the Columbia for a year after World War II ended. In 1946, he became a gunnery officer on the destroyer escort USS Harveson (DE-316). Then, in 1947, he moved to the destroyer USS Brownson (DD-868). On the Brownson, he was in charge of guns, and also helped with ship repairs after damage.
Starting in 1949, LeBourgeois went to special schools to learn about naval intelligence and the French language. He became a skilled interpreter and translator. From 1950 to 1951, he worked in the Navy's Office of Naval Intelligence. After that, he worked at the American embassy in Tangier, Morocco.
In 1957, LeBourgeois joined the crew of a new destroyer, USS Blandy (DD-943), before it was even officially in service. When the Blandy was ready, he became its first executive officer. The Blandy sailed in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. In 1958, it carried the Unknown Soldiers from World War II and the Korean War to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery.
After leaving the Blandy, LeBourgeois became the commanding officer of the destroyer USS Norris (DD-859) in 1959. Under his leadership, the Norris was the best-performing destroyer in the United States Atlantic Fleet in 1961. It also won the Battle Efficiency Award twice.
In 1961, LeBourgeois helped create the first training program for the Destroyer School. He also earned a Master's degree in International Affairs from George Washington University in 1963. He received the Legion of Merit award for his excellent work during this time.
Vietnam War Service
In September 1965, LeBourgeois took command of the guided-missile frigate USS Halsey (DLG-23). This ship later became a guided-missile cruiser. In 1966, the Halsey was sent to Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
While there, LeBourgeois also led a team in the Gulf of Tonkin that helped rescue pilots shot down over North Vietnam. His team saved 17 airmen. In one rescue, he quickly ordered the Halsey to speed up to help a helicopter that was running low on fuel. For his bravery, he received the Bronze Star Medal with a special "V" device for combat. The Halsey also received the Navy Unit Commendation and the Battle Efficiency Award for its great performance in 1966.
Later Career and Retirement
After his time on the Halsey, LeBourgeois worked in important planning roles in the Navy. In 1968, he became a senior assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, the Navy's top officer. He received a second Legion of Merit for this work.
In 1970, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and worked for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Belgium. NATO is an alliance of countries working together for defense. He earned the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his excellent work there. In 1972, he became a Vice Admiral and continued to work for NATO in a very senior role.
On August 9, 1974, LeBourgeois became the 38th President of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. During his time as president, he improved the school's courses and helped create the Naval War College Museum. This museum teaches about naval history. He received a second Navy Distinguished Service Medal when he finished his time as president in 1977.
After this, Vice Admiral LeBourgeois retired from the Navy.
Personal Life and Legacy
Julien LeBourgeois was married to Priscilla Dudley LeBourgeois for almost 64 years. They had a son, Julien Dudley LeBourgeois, and a daughter, Anne LeBourgeois Grieves.
After retiring, LeBourgeois moved to New London, New Hampshire. He helped create a popular learning program for adults called "Adventures in Learning" at Colby-Sawyer College. In 2004, the college gave him an award for his contributions to the community and the school. He later moved to Williamsburg, Virginia.
Julien LeBourgeois passed away on September 16, 2012, in Williamsburg. He was buried with full military honors at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
