Minneapolis native, John W. Vessey, Jr., began his 46-year military career in 1939 when, at age 16, he joined the Minnesota National Guard. He is veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1982, General Vessey was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as the tenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position he held for more than three years.
When he retired from the Army in 1985, General Vessey was the last four star combat veteran of World War II on active service, and had achieved every rank offered by the military.
During his retirement, General Vessey has made it a mission to assist in efforts to account for military personnel listed as Missing in Action from the Vietnam War. In 1992, the General was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to those making "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
Since 2005, General Vessey has served as the Honorary Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Minnesota's Greatest Generation Project.
Creator: U.S. Army, Public Domain Photograph
Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Dates: 1982–1985
