The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 21 August 1967 as a pilot in Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (VA-163), embarked in U.S.S. ORISKANY (CVA-34). During a combat mission over North Vietnam, Commander Busey was the leader of a section in a six-aircraft bombing element which attacked the Hanoi thermal power plant in the face of the enemy’s most sophisticated and complex arsenal of air defense weapons. As he commenced his attack, Commander Busey sustained anti-aircraft hits to his aircraft. He skillfully regained control of his aircraft and, although his plane was severely damaged, renewed his attack, placing his weapon precisely on target. Subsequent bomb damage assessment photography confirmed that he inflicted heavy damage to his assigned portion of the thermal power plant. Although still severely handicapped by his damaged aircraft, Commander Busey evaded four surface-to-air missiles during his egress from the target area. Then, through skillful airmanship, he returned his crippled aircraft to the aircraft carrier. By his tenacious aggressiveness, professionalism, and heroic actions in the face of the enemy’s massed and determined defenses, Commander Busey upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Auditor General of the Navy from April 1978 through June 1980. During his tenure, Rear Admiral Busey consistently displayed exceptional and enlightened leadership, superior managerial acuity, and expansive professional knowledge which were vital factors in the innovation, development, and successful implementation of a series of far-reaching management programs that effectively upgraded the entire Naval Audit Service. He contributed greatly to the increased organization while improving its responsiveness to Navy Department management. Rear Admiral Busey’s untiring efforts in carrying out a wide range of demanding tasks with unfailing good judgment, total effectiveness, and steadfast dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderAction Date:
October 25, 1969 – October 26, 1970
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while attached to and serving with Attack Carrier Striking Force SEVENTH Fleet from 25 October 1969 to 26 October 1970 during combat operations against the enemy. As Task Force Strike Plans Officer, Commander Busey was responsible for the supervision of the scheduling and management of Task Force combat strike assets. His extensive combat experience and superior managerial ability enabled him to rapidly re-direct strike assets in response to the constantly changing tactical situation. His analytical ability, tireless energy and imaginative planning contributed to his especially significant contributions to Task Force contingency plans. Through his personal efforts he developed and enhanced smooth effective operational procedures between the Task Force and the SEVENTH Air Force. Commander Busey’s devotion to duty, foresight and perseverance reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 163 (VA-163)Division:
U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)Action Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 163 (VA-163)Division:
U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)Action Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from September 1985 to March 1987. Functioning in close cooperation and in direct support of the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Busey’s leadership and management were invaluable to the U.S. Navy during this very demanding and important period. His profound grasp of global issues and strong performance as an alternate member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were of great importance to the country. His complete understanding of U.S. Naval requirements and structure was directly responsible for improvements made in both our forces and our organization. Admiral Busey’s concern for operating forces’ requirements led to numerous innovative productivity enhancement programs among our fleet support activities. These programs increased the U.S. Navy’s combat readiness and significantly improved the overall quality of life for naval personnel and their dependents. His keen sense of diplomacy and comprehensive grasp of naval matters earned the admiration and respect of all with whom he was associated. Admiral Busey’s distinguished achievements, inspirational leadership, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Lemoore, California, from October 1975 to January 1978. During his tenure, Captain Busey vigorously directed the efforts of his command toward the goal of maximum support and optimum operational readiness of the Fleet Squadrons under Command Light Attack Wing, United States PACIFIC Fleet. His astute managerial techniques, coupled with his outstanding leadership, contributed to the Station’s significantly improved capability to carry out its assigned mission. Captain Busey consistently exhibited the highest degree of acumen in his fiscal management of Station funds, always striving for greater efficiency and ensuring the propriety of all expenditures. Further, his untiring efforts to safeguard Naval Air Station, Lemoore from surface and airspace encroachment resulted in an enlightened civil community who now fully understands the Navy’s position and concerns. Captain Busey’s exceptional professionalism, perceptive judgment, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy in the Projection Forces Branch of the Systems Analysis Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations from May 1972 to March 1974. During his tenure, Captain Busey was directly responsible for demonstrating that the use of two-place A-7 aircraft in Readiness Squadrons would increase training effectiveness while saving one hundred million dollars in a four-year period and improving the degree of modernization of the light attack force. His forcefulness, keen insight, and persuasiveness resulted in the implementation of the TA-7 program. Captain Busey formulated an outstanding Chief of Naval Operations Program Analysis Memorandum on Amphibious, Mine and Inshore Warfare in which key issues and feasible alternatives were concisely identified in this complex and heterogeneous area. Further, he displayed exceptional professional competence in a National Security Council assessment of tactical aircraft effectiveness. This influential study was extremely difficult because of its scope, diverse participants and tight deadline. Captain Busey’s superb analytic and staff work further increased the effectiveness of naval aviation and reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
July 1980 – September 1982
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Naval Material for Resources Management, Headquarters Naval Material Command from July 1980 through September 1982. Rear Admiral Busey consistently demonstrated a remarkably high degree of leadership and professionalism in directing and coordinating the total resources of the Naval Material Command. He brilliantly administered the total force manpower management and the formulation, justification, and execution of all Naval Material Command budgets related to the acquisition and support of all naval weapons systems. At a time when the Navy’s resource management programs were being subjected to economic, legislative, and political pressures of great magnitude, his incisive business acumen, unswerving dedication, and determined resolve to excel were instrumental in achieving the rapid strides which the Naval Material Command made and improved fiduciary performance and new financial management programs. Particularly noteworthy were the accomplishments of Rear Admiral Busey in the areas of programming and budgeting; financial execution, accounting, and control; resource utilization; cost analysis; and expanding the Naval Material Commands input to the Program Objectives Memorandum (POW) and the Extended Planning Annex (EPA). By his outstanding leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Busey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Vice AdmiralAction Date:
July 1983 – August 1985
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) from July 1983 to August 1985. An outstanding and energetic leader, Vice Admiral Busey structured new and existing aviation programs to support the six hundred-ship Navy. He directed innovative warranty provisions for contracts and achieved dramatic reductions in the costs of aircraft and missile programs. He led his NAVAIR team with a “can do” spirit that reduced the development costs of the F-14D, the A-6E upgrade, the V-22 tilt-rotor, and the T-45 training systems programs, permitting these vital modernization programs to go forward. His emphasis on quality gave the Navy true value for the dollar, and his tough NAVAIR negotiating posture saved the Navy hundreds of millions of dollars. Vice Admiral Busey build a highly motivated, responsive NAVAIR team that is breaking new ground in innovative business strategy. By his exceptional technical judgment, inspiring leadership, and loyal devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Busey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral James Buchanan Busey, IV (NSN: 0-586527), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander in Chief, United States Naval Forces, Europe from Marcy 1987 to May 1989. Admiral Busey consistently performed his exceptionally demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Demonstrating superlative ability and competence, along with dynamic leadership, he was personally and directly responsible for the complex operations of the United States Navy in the European Theater. His tour was marked by constant challenge and limited resources, yet in the midst of such obstacles, his unfailing efforts were responsible for a substantial increase in readiness of United States Naval Forces throughout Europe. Admiral Busey’s flawless judgment in dealing with extraordinarily complex and delicate political and military matters was invaluable to the United States Government. By his distinctive achievements, unrelenting perseverance, and unsurpassed dedication to duty, Admiral Busey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service..