David J. Buck

David J. Buck is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force. Prior to his retirement on February 1, 2018, Buck served as the commander of the 14th Air Force, Air Force Space Command, and the Joint Force Space Component at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Air Force career David Buck graduated summa cum laude with a degree in business administration from Newman University (Kansas). In 1986, he graduated from Air Force Officer Training School, and commissioned as a second lieutenant. From 1986 to 1991, he served as a missile combat crew commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He then served in the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Headquarters Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, and attended the College of Naval Command and Staff. He commanded the 1st Space Launch Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the 821st Air Base Group at Thule Air Base. He then served as the vice commander of the 30th Space Wing and the commander of the 50th Space Wing. In 2010, Buck deployed for a year to direct Air Force Central Command space forces in southwest Asia. After serving as the vice command of the Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, he served as the Director of Operation and the Vice Commander for Air Force Space Command. In August 2015, he assumed command of the 14th Air Force, Air Force Space Command, and the Joint Force Space Component. He retired on February 1, 2018.

Awards and decorations

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusterDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit with two oak leaf clustersBronze Star MedalDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with four bronze oak leaf clustersJoint Service Commendation MedalAir Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf clusterAir Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf clusterJoint Meritorious Unit AwardAir Force Outstanding Unit Award with one silver oak leaf clusterOrganizational Excellence AwardCombat Readiness Medal with two oak leaf clustersNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze service starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalAir Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon with "A" (Arctic) deviceAir Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and one bronze oak leaf clusterNCO Professional Military Education Graduate RibbonSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship RibbonAir Force Training Ribbon with oak leaf cluster

Effective dates of promotion