James L. Badley POW/MIA

I don't know if this interests you, but I am a Cadet from Oregon State University and our Detachment is named for James L. Badley.Here is his biography:

About James L. Badley
James L. Badley was born in Portland, Oregon, 16 April 1942. He started his schooling in Portland, but because his father was a career service man, he attended schools in many locations - Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and Tripoli Libya. In 1960 he graduated from high school in Mountain Home, Idaho.

While in Washington D.C., he recieved his eagle scout award at the age of 13. He went on to achieve his God and Country and Bronze Palm awards. He was also a member of DeMolay.

He attended Oregon State University and recieved an Engineering degree in 1965. While at OSU, he was president of Theta Chi Fraternity, an officer on the Intra-Fraternity Council, member of Arnold Air Society, Scabbard and Blade, Silver Wings, and was on the OSU Swim Team. He was presented the AAS award, which was given to the outstanding junior cadet who had developed inspirational leadership ability, military bearing, attitude, and initiative.

In June 1965, he recieved his commission and began flight training at Williams A.F.B., Arizona. In October 1966 he recieved his Pilot Wings and was assigned to Davis-Monthan AFB for combat training in the F-4 Phantom. After graduating in August 1966, he requested combat duty at DaNang, Vietnam. He started flying combat missions on the 22nd of September 1967. On his 25th mission he was shot down, but was miraculously picked up by a Jolly Green Giant within seconds of Viet Cong capture.

He was selected as a regular Air Force officer in November, and was also nominated for Junior Officer of the Year by his wing. His additional duties at DaNang were: Assistant Operations Officer, Assistant Finance Officer, and Awards and Decorations Officer. April 15 was a big day for him, not only did he upgrade to Command Pilot, he also volunteered for 50 additional North Vietnam missions to the required 100.

He was shot down again on his 85th mission and listed as missing in action on the 27th of March. On May 8th, the Air Force changed the listing to killed in action.

He was held in high esteem by his fellow officers for his dedication and initiative in doing what he personally felt needed doing in Vietnam. He loved his fellow man regardless of race or creed and wholeheartedly believed in freedom, justice and liberty for all people - to which he dedicated his life.

He was awarded several personal awards and decorations. They were the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal (1st thru 9th oak leaf clusters), and the Silver Star.

The Arnold Air Society at Oregon State University changed its name to the 1st Lt. James L. Badley Squadron on May 31,1991. The previous name was the Nathan F. Twining Squadron, which had been adopted when AAS was first chartered at OSU on 14 November 1951.