Nomination of Gen. John W. Vessey, Jr., To Be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

The President today announced his intention to nominate Gen. John W. Vessey, Jr., to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Department of Defense. He will succeed Gen. David Jones whose term expires in June 1982.

General Vessey is currently the Vice Chief of Staff in the United States Army. From 1976 to 1979, he was Commanding General, Eighth United States Army; Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command; Commander, United States Forces, Korea; and Commander-in-Chief, Combined Forces Command. From 1975 to 1976, he was Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Senior Army Representative, Military Staff Committee at the United Nations. From 1974 to 1975, he was Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and Fort Carson, Colo. From 1972 to 1973, he was Deputy Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group in Thailand. From 1970 to 1972, he was Commanding General, United States Army Support Group in Thailand. From 1969 to 1970, he was Chief of Staff, 3d Armored Division, United States Army in Europe. From 1967 to 1969, he was Commander, 3d Armored Division Artillery, United States Army in Europe. From 1966 to 1967, he served as Executive Officer, 25th Infantry Division Artillery in Vietnam.

General Vessey received his B.S. degree in military science from the University of Maryland and M.S. degree in business administration from George Washington University. His military school attendance included the Artillery School, basic and advanced courses; the Artillery and Guided Missile School, advanced course; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; Armed Forces Staff College; and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He has received many U.S. decorations and badges, including the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. He received his battlefield commission at the battle of Anzio in 1944 during World War II.

General Vessey was born June 29, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minn.