John William Vessey Jr.
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John William Vessey, Jr. (born June 29, 1922) was a U.S. general. He served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff between 1982 and 1985.
General Vessey served on active duty in the United States Army longer than any other person. His military career lasted from 1939 to 1985. He began his career in the Minnesota National Guard and received a battlefield commission during the battle of Anzio in World War II. He was the last veteran of World War II to retire from active duty. General Vessey also served in Korea and in Vietnam. He graduated from college at the age of 41 and also attended the Army helicopter school.
In 1982 President Ronald Reagan appointed him as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position he would hold for almost three years, a comparatively short term.
After retiring from the Army, General Vessey became involved in efforts to account for military personnel listed as missing in action from the Vietnam War. He made several trips to Vietnam to search for remains. General Vessey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.
| Preceded by: David C. Jones | Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 1982–1985 | Succeeded by: William J. Crowe |