A Minnesota PBS Initiative
General John W. Vessey Jr.
General John W. Vessey Jr., the 10th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff talks with Minnesota Military Radio show host Tom Lyons about his life and career. Produced by Sgt. First Class Ben Houtkooper.
Jump to Chapter 10 to hear about General Vessey's experience in Vietnam.
Retired Army Gen. John W. Vessey Jr., left, who served as the 10th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, greets Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, right, the 18th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Minnesota National Guard Armory in Rosemount, Minn., Aug. 16, 2012. Date 16 August 2012. Photo from U.S. Department of Defense.
U.S. Army General John W. Vessey, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Date circa 1983. Photo from U.S. Department of Defense.
Vessey's career spanned 46 years, starting in the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Red Bull Infantry Division during World War II.
Vessey received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the Battle of Suoi Tre in Vietnam. After serving as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for President Ronald Reagan, Vessey was appointed special envoy to Vietnam on returning service members Missing in Action (MIA) serving Presidents Bush Sr. and Clinton. For his service he received the nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Vessey is native Minnesotan, growing up in Lakeville.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Lakeville, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Suoi Tre, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: 34th Infantry Division
Story Themes: 34th Infantry, Army, Battle of Soui Tre, General Vessey, Jack Vessey, John Vessey, Lakeville, MIA, Minnesota Military Radio, Missing In Action, MN Military Radio, Soui Tre, Watch
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