LTG James B. Vaught, USA
Class of 1946
Hometown: Conway, SC
- Vaught was Task Force Commander of Operation Eagle Claw, the aborted 1980 Iranian hostage rescue mission. A combat veteran of Korea & Vietnam, Vaught played a prominent role in the formation of the post-Vietnam US Special Operations force structure. Vaught served at the Pentagon as Director of Operations and Mobilization for the Army. Promoted to Lieutenant General, he served his final tour of duty as the Commanding General of the Combined US/South Korean forces.
- Vaught enrolled at The Citadel in 1943, and although drafted by the US Army and commissioned as an officer in 1945, he was able to graduate and become a member of the Citadel's class of 1946.
- Vaught was a two-time recipient of the Silver Star award in Vietnam. 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.