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{{short description|United States Army general}}
{{short description|United States Army general}}{{Infobox military person

{{BLP sources|date=March 2011}}
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = Lieutenant General
| honorific_prefix = Lieutenant General
| name = James B. Vaught
| name = James B. Vaught
Line 10: Line 7:
| caption =
| caption =
| nickname = "The General"
| nickname = "The General"
| birth_place = [[Conway, South Carolina]]
| birth_place = [[Conway, South Carolina]], US
| death_place = [[Horry County, South Carolina]]
| death_place = [[Horry County, South Carolina]], US
| placeofburial = Tilly Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery<br>[[Conway, South Carolina|Conway]], [[South Carolina]]
| placeofburial = Tilly Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery<br>[[Conway, South Carolina]]
| allegiance = [[United States of America]]
| allegiance = United States
| branch = [[File:United States Department of the Army Seal.svg|25px]] [[United States Army]]
| branch = [[United States Army]]
| serviceyears = 1944–1985
| serviceyears = 1944–1985
| rank = [[File:US-O9 insignia.svg|40px]] [[Lieutenant General]]
| rank = [[Lieutenant General]]
| unit =
| unit =
| commands = [[ROK-US Combined Forces Command]]<br>[[24th Infantry Division (United States)|24th Infantry Division]]<br>5th Battalion, [[7th Cavalry Regiment (United States)|7th Cavalry]]
| commands = [[ROK-US Combined Forces Command]]<br>[[24th Infantry Division (United States)|24th Infantry Division]]<br>5th Battalion, [[7th Cavalry Regiment (United States)|7th Cavalry]]
| battles = [[World War II]]<br>[[Korean War]]<br>[[Vietnam War]]<br>[[Iran Hostage Crisis]] ([[Operation Eagle Claw]])
| battles = [[World War II]]<br>[[Korean War]]<br>[[Vietnam War]]<br>[[Iran Hostage Crisis]] ([[Operation Eagle Claw]])
| awards =
| awards =
| relations = Florence Vaught (Wife)
| laterwork =
}}
}}


'''James Benjamin Vaught''' (November 3, 1926 – September 20, 2013) was a [[United States Army]] [[Lieutenant General]] who fought in the [[Korean War]], and the [[Vietnam War]].<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10340663/Lieutenant-General-James-Vaught.html | title=Lieutenant-General James Vaught | publisher=The Telegraph | accessdate=September 30, 2013}}</ref> In [[South Korea]] he served as a [[Company (military unit)|company]] commander in the [[24th Infantry Division (United States)|24th Infantry Division]] and in 1967, in [[South Vietnam]], on his first tour he served as the [[commanding officer]] of the 5th Battalion, [[7th Cavalry Regiment (United States)|7th Cavalry]]. He has also played a major role in numerous [[United States Special Forces]] operations. He was the overall commander of [[Operation Eagle Claw]], the failed rescue mission of [[Iran hostage crisis|U.S. hostages in Iran]] in 1980.
'''James Benjamin Vaught''' (November 3, 1926 – September 20, 2013) was a [[United States Army]] [[Lieutenant general (United States)|Lieutenant General]] who fought in the [[Korean War]] and the [[Vietnam War]].<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10340663/Lieutenant-General-James-Vaught.html | title=Lieutenant-General James Vaught | date=27 September 2013 | publisher=The Telegraph | accessdate=September 30, 2013}}</ref> In [[South Korea]] he served as a [[Company (military unit)|company]] commander in the [[24th Infantry Division (United States)|24th Infantry Division]]. In 1967, in [[South Vietnam]], on his first tour he served as the [[commanding officer]] of the 5th Battalion, [[7th Cavalry Regiment|7th Cavalry]]. He also played a major role in numerous [[United States special operations forces|United States Special Forces]] operations. He was the overall commander of [[Operation Eagle Claw]], the failed rescue mission of [[Iran hostage crisis|U.S. hostages in Iran]] in 1980.


==Early life and military career==
==Early life and military career==
Vaught grew up in Conway, South Carolina. A multi-generational native of the state, he has been identified as a direct descendant of [[Francis Marion|Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion]]. However, this is in dispute, as there are no known direct descendants of Marion. He graduated from high school in 1943 and then was enrolled at [[The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina|The Citadel]] in [[Charleston, South Carolina]]. During this time, with World War II being fought by Allied forces in two theaters, the draft was altered so that college students were eligible. In 1944, Vaught was one of those drafted by the [[United States Army]], though he was able to graduate and become a member of the Citadel's class of 1946. In the Army, he was commissioned an [[Officer (armed forces)|officer]] in 1945. After the war, he served three and a half years in [[West Germany]].
Vaught grew up in [[Conway, South Carolina]]. A multi-generational native of the state, he has been identified as a direct descendant of [[Francis Marion|Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion]]. However, this is in dispute, as there are no known direct descendants of Marion. He graduated from high school in 1943 and was then enrolled at [[The Citadel]] military college in [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]]. During this time, with World War II being fought by Allied forces in two theaters, the draft was altered so that college students were eligible. In 1944, Vaught was one of those drafted by the [[United States Army]], although he was able to graduate and become a member of the Citadel's class of 1946. In the Army, he was commissioned an officer in 1945. After the war, he served three and a half years in [[West Germany]].


==Korean and Vietnam Wars==
==Korean and Vietnam Wars==
After his duty in [[West Germany]] ended, Vaught had a relatively short stay back in the U.S. before he was sent to [[South Korea]], where he was involved in the fighting against the communist forces of North Korea and China. He saw combat on several occasions after his landing at [[Pusan]] and the subsequent advance north towards the [[Yalu River]]. During this time, he was injured twice.
After his duty in West Germany ended, Vaught had a relatively short stay back in the U.S. before he was sent to [[South Korea]], where he was involved in the fighting against the communist forces of North Korea and China. He saw combat on several occasions after his landing at [[Busan|Pusan]] and the subsequent advance north towards the [[Yalu River]]. During this time, he was injured twice.


In 1967 during the [[Vietnam War]], he was sent to [[South Vietnam]], where as the [[battalion]] commander of the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, he played a key role in the [[Battle of Hue]] during the [[Tet Offensive]] of 1968. He also participated in [[Battle of Khe Sanh#Operation Pegasus (1–14 April 1968)|Operation Pegasus]] the relief of [[Khe Sanh Combat Base]]. Vaught was later injured in an auto accident which resulted in him being evacuated, in a full body cast, to [[Walter Reed Army Medical Center]]. Although the [[Vietnamization]] policy was thought of as a failed concept, Vaught was a proponent of the policy and was a valuable asset to it throughout his second tour of Vietnam.
In 1967 during the [[Vietnam War]], he was sent to [[South Vietnam]], where as the [[battalion]] commander of the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, he played a key role in the [[Battle of Huế]] during the [[Tet Offensive]] of 1968. He also participated in [[Battle of Khe Sanh#Operation Pegasus (1–14 April 1968)|Operation Pegasus]], the relief of [[Khe Sanh Combat Base]]. Vaught was later injured in an auto accident which resulted in him being evacuated, in a full body cast, to [[Walter Reed Army Medical Center]]. Although the [[Vietnamization]] policy was considered a failed concept, Vaught was a proponent of the policy and was a valuable asset to it throughout his second tour of Vietnam.


==Later life==
==Later life==
After Vietnam, Vaught continued his career with the Army and was eventually promoted to [[Major General]], serving at [[The Pentagon]] as Director of Operations and Mobilization for the Army. He served his final tour of duty as the Commanding General of the Combined US/South Korean forces.
After Vietnam, Vaught continued his career with the Army and was eventually promoted to [[Major general (United States)|Major General]], serving at [[The Pentagon]] as Director of Operations and Mobilization for the Army. He served his final tour of duty as the Commanding General of the Combined US/South Korean forces.


He resided in [[Myrtle Beach, South Carolina]] after his retirement in 1985.
He resided in [[Myrtle Beach, South Carolina]] after his retirement in 1985.
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Perhaps his most notable role was during [[Operation Eagle Claw]], the infamous failed rescue mission of hostages in Iran, where General Vaught served as the overall commander of the operation in 1980. Eight service members died and four were injured in the operation when one of the helicopters on the mission collided with a transport aircraft in the remote Iranian desert.
Perhaps his most notable role was during [[Operation Eagle Claw]], the infamous failed rescue mission of hostages in Iran, where General Vaught served as the overall commander of the operation in 1980. Eight service members died and four were injured in the operation when one of the helicopters on the mission collided with a transport aircraft in the remote Iranian desert.


Although [[Jimmy Carter|President Carter]] went on television the next day to announce the failure of the mission and to accept the blame, Congress and the Pentagon launched inquiries to determine the reasons for the tragedy. The Pentagon probe was handled by a board of three retired and three serving flag officers representing all four services; it was led by retired Admiral [[James L. Holloway III]]. The commission's report listed 23 areas "that troubled us professionally about the mission-areas in which there appeared to be weaknesses. The major criticism was of the "ad hoc" nature of the task force, a chain of command the commission felt was unclear, and an emphasis on operational secrecy it found excessive. The commission also said the chances for success would have been improved if more backup helicopters had been provided and if a rehearsal of all mission components had been held.
Although [[Jimmy Carter|President Carter]] went on television the next day to announce the failure of the mission and to accept the blame, Congress and the Pentagon launched inquiries to determine the reasons for the tragedy. The Pentagon probe was handled by a board of three retired and three serving [[Flag officer|flag officers]] representing all four services; it was led by retired Admiral [[James L. Holloway III]]. The commission's report listed 23 areas "that troubled us professionally about the mission-areas in which there appeared to be weaknesses". The major criticism was of the "ad hoc" nature of the task force, a chain of command the commission felt was unclear, and an emphasis on operational secrecy it found excessive. The commission also said the chances for success would have been improved if more backup helicopters had been provided and if a rehearsal of all mission components had been held.


== Awards ==
== Awards ==
Vaught was a two-time recipient of the [[Silver Star]] award in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schudel |first1=Matt |title=Lt. Gen. James B. Vaught, who led Iran hostage rescue mission, dies at 86 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/lt-gen-james-b-vaught-who-led-iran-hostage-rescue-mission-dies-at-86/2013/10/02/dc246390-2aba-11e3-8ade-a1f23cda135e_story.html |publisher=Washington Post |access-date=June 8, 2021 |date=Oct 2, 2013}}</ref>
Vaught was a two-time recipient of the [[Silver Star]] award in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schudel |first1=Matt |title=Lt. Gen. James B. Vaught, who led Iran hostage rescue mission, dies at 86 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/lt-gen-james-b-vaught-who-led-iran-hostage-rescue-mission-dies-at-86/2013/10/02/dc246390-2aba-11e3-8ade-a1f23cda135e_story.html |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=June 8, 2021 |date=Oct 2, 2013}}</ref>
Other US awards include three Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Soldiers Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, six Air Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, and the Purple Heart Medal.<ref>{{cite web |title=James B. Vaught |url=https://ocsalumni.org/at_biz_dir/james-b-vaught/ |website=ocsalumni.org |publisher=US Army OCS Alumni Association |access-date=June 8, 2021}}</ref>
Other US awards include three [[Legion of Merit|Legions of Merit]], the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]], the [[Soldier's Medal]], two [[Bronze Star Medal|Bronze Star Medals]], the [[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]], six [[Air Medal|Air Medals]], the [[Commendation Medal|Joint Service Commendation Medal]], two [[Commendation Medal|Army Commendation Medals]], and the [[Purple Heart]] medal.<ref>{{cite web |title=James B. Vaught |url=https://ocsalumni.org/at_biz_dir/james-b-vaught/ |website=ocsalumni.org |publisher=US Army OCS Alumni Association |access-date=June 8, 2021}}</ref>


== Death ==
== Death ==
Authorities found his body in an [[Horry County| Horry County, South Carolina]] pond. While Vaught died of asphyxia due to drowning, the coroner stated that his body also showed signs of cardiac disease. He was 86.<ref>{{cite web |last=Associated |first=The |url=http://www.wcnc.com/news/regional/224786042.html |title=Coroner: Body of retired general found in SC pond &#124; WCNC.com Charlotte |publisher=Wcnc.com |accessdate=2013-09-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927090931/http://www.wcnc.com/news/regional/224786042.html |archivedate=2013-09-27 }}</ref> International Drive in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is to be named after him. He is survived by his wife Florence Vaught and several children and many grandchildren.<ref>His great-granddaughter</ref>
Authorities found his body in a pond in [[Horry County, South Carolina]]. While Vaught died of asphyxia due to drowning, the coroner stated that his body also showed signs of cardiac disease. He was 86.<ref>{{cite web |last=Associated |first=The |url=http://www.wcnc.com/news/regional/224786042.html |title=Coroner: Body of retired general found in SC pond &#124; WCNC.com Charlotte |publisher=Wcnc.com |accessdate=2013-09-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927090931/http://www.wcnc.com/news/regional/224786042.html |archivedate=2013-09-27 }}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

<!--- See [[Wikipedia:Footnotes]] on how to create references using <ref></ref> tags which will then appear here automatically -->
{{cite book|author=Lenahan, Rod |year=1998 |title=Crippled Eagle: A Historical Perspective Of U.S. Special Operations 1976&ndash;1996|publisher= Narwhal Press |isbn= 1-886391-22-X}}
* {{cite book|author=Lenahan, Rod |year=1998 |title=Crippled Eagle: A Historical Perspective of U.S. Special Operations 1976&ndash;1996|publisher= Narwhal Press |isbn= 188639122X}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
*https://web.archive.org/web/20111228053824/http://www.rescueattempt.com/id8.html
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20111228053824/http://www.rescueattempt.com/id8.html Air Force Association Official Account]
*http://www.citadelalumni.org/dcal/dcal.php]*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121105190047/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-69592127.html HighBeam]
*[http://www.citadel.edu/pao/newsreleases/archives/sy00-01/Corps_day_awards2001.html ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403044607/http://www3.citadel.edu/pao/newsreleases/archives/sy00-01/Corps_day_awards2001.html |date=2012-04-03 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110304010411/http://www.specialoperations.com/Operations/Eagle_Claw/Default.htm Special Operations.Com]
*http://www.citadel.edu/pao/newsreleases/archives/sy00-01/Corps_day_awards2001.html
*https://web.archive.org/web/20110304010411/http://www.specialoperations.com/Operations/Eagle_Claw/Default.htm
*https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/117453739/james-benjamin-vaught


{{DEFAULTSORT:Vaught, James B.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vaught, James B.}}
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[[Category:United States Army personnel of the Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of the Korean War]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina alumni]]
[[Category:The Citadel alumni]]
[[Category:People from Conway, South Carolina]]
[[Category:People from Conway, South Carolina]]
[[Category:Accidental deaths in South Carolina]]
[[Category:Accidental deaths in South Carolina]]

Latest revision as of 21:36, 8 January 2024

Lieutenant General

James B. Vaught
Nickname(s)"The General"
Born(1926-11-03)November 3, 1926
Conway, South Carolina, US
DiedSeptember 20, 2013(2013-09-20) (aged 86)
Horry County, South Carolina, US
Buried
Tilly Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery
Conway, South Carolina
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service1944–1985
RankLieutenant General
CommandsROK-US Combined Forces Command
24th Infantry Division
5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry
Battles / warsWorld War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
Iran Hostage Crisis (Operation Eagle Claw)

James Benjamin Vaught (November 3, 1926 – September 20, 2013) was a United States Army Lieutenant General who fought in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.[1] In South Korea he served as a company commander in the 24th Infantry Division. In 1967, in South Vietnam, on his first tour he served as the commanding officer of the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry. He also played a major role in numerous United States Special Forces operations. He was the overall commander of Operation Eagle Claw, the failed rescue mission of U.S. hostages in Iran in 1980.

Early life and military career

[edit]

Vaught grew up in Conway, South Carolina. A multi-generational native of the state, he has been identified as a direct descendant of Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion. However, this is in dispute, as there are no known direct descendants of Marion. He graduated from high school in 1943 and was then enrolled at The Citadel military college in Charleston. During this time, with World War II being fought by Allied forces in two theaters, the draft was altered so that college students were eligible. In 1944, Vaught was one of those drafted by the United States Army, although he was able to graduate and become a member of the Citadel's class of 1946. In the Army, he was commissioned an officer in 1945. After the war, he served three and a half years in West Germany.

Korean and Vietnam Wars

[edit]

After his duty in West Germany ended, Vaught had a relatively short stay back in the U.S. before he was sent to South Korea, where he was involved in the fighting against the communist forces of North Korea and China. He saw combat on several occasions after his landing at Pusan and the subsequent advance north towards the Yalu River. During this time, he was injured twice.

In 1967 during the Vietnam War, he was sent to South Vietnam, where as the battalion commander of the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, he played a key role in the Battle of Huế during the Tet Offensive of 1968. He also participated in Operation Pegasus, the relief of Khe Sanh Combat Base. Vaught was later injured in an auto accident which resulted in him being evacuated, in a full body cast, to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Although the Vietnamization policy was considered a failed concept, Vaught was a proponent of the policy and was a valuable asset to it throughout his second tour of Vietnam.

Later life

[edit]

After Vietnam, Vaught continued his career with the Army and was eventually promoted to Major General, serving at The Pentagon as Director of Operations and Mobilization for the Army. He served his final tour of duty as the Commanding General of the Combined US/South Korean forces.

He resided in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina after his retirement in 1985.

Operation Eagle Claw

[edit]

Perhaps his most notable role was during Operation Eagle Claw, the infamous failed rescue mission of hostages in Iran, where General Vaught served as the overall commander of the operation in 1980. Eight service members died and four were injured in the operation when one of the helicopters on the mission collided with a transport aircraft in the remote Iranian desert.

Although President Carter went on television the next day to announce the failure of the mission and to accept the blame, Congress and the Pentagon launched inquiries to determine the reasons for the tragedy. The Pentagon probe was handled by a board of three retired and three serving flag officers representing all four services; it was led by retired Admiral James L. Holloway III. The commission's report listed 23 areas "that troubled us professionally about the mission-areas in which there appeared to be weaknesses". The major criticism was of the "ad hoc" nature of the task force, a chain of command the commission felt was unclear, and an emphasis on operational secrecy it found excessive. The commission also said the chances for success would have been improved if more backup helicopters had been provided and if a rehearsal of all mission components had been held.

Awards

[edit]

Vaught was a two-time recipient of the Silver Star award in Vietnam.[2] Other US awards include three Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Soldier's Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, six Air Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, and the Purple Heart medal.[3]

Death

[edit]

Authorities found his body in a pond in Horry County, South Carolina. While Vaught died of asphyxia due to drowning, the coroner stated that his body also showed signs of cardiac disease. He was 86.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Lieutenant-General James Vaught". The Telegraph. 27 September 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  2. ^ Schudel, Matt (Oct 2, 2013). "Lt. Gen. James B. Vaught, who led Iran hostage rescue mission, dies at 86". Washington Post. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  3. ^ "James B. Vaught". ocsalumni.org. US Army OCS Alumni Association. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  4. ^ Associated, The. "Coroner: Body of retired general found in SC pond | WCNC.com Charlotte". Wcnc.com. Archived from the original on 2013-09-27. Retrieved 2013-09-23.
  • Lenahan, Rod (1998). Crippled Eagle: A Historical Perspective of U.S. Special Operations 1976–1996. Narwhal Press. ISBN 188639122X.
[edit]