James B. Busey IV

James Buchanan Busey IV (October 2, 1932 – April 21, 2023) was an American government official and 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 2, 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

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. 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. 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