16 Facts About James Buchli

James Frederick Buchli was born on June 20,1945 and is a retired United States Marine aviator and former NASA astronaut who flew on four Space Shuttle missions.

James Buchli earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering Systems from the University of West Florida in 1975.

James Buchli is an associate member of Naval Academy Alumni, American Legion, Association of Space Explorers, and American Geophysical Union.

James Buchli received his commission in the United States Marine Corps following graduation from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland in 1967.

James Buchli graduated from Basic Infantry Officer's Course and was sent to the Republic of Vietnam for a 1-year tour of duty, where he served as a Platoon Commander with the 9th Marine Regiment, and then as Executive Officer and Company Commander for B Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion.

James Buchli returned to the United States in 1969 for naval flight officer training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

James Buchli was assigned subsequently to VMFA-312 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, and in 1977, to the US Naval Test Pilot School at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

James Buchli has logged over 4,200 hours flying time: 4,000 hours in jet aircraft, including combat in the F-4 Phantom II.

James Buchli became a NASA astronaut in August 1979, selected as part of Group 8.

James Buchli was a member of the support crew for STS-1 and STS-2, and On-Orbit CAPCOM for STS-2.

James Buchli served as a mission specialist on STS-51-C, STS-61-A, STS-29, and STS-48.

On September 1,1992, James Buchli retired from the Marine Corps and the NASA Astronaut Office to accept a position as manager of space station systems operations and requirements with Boeing Defense and Space Group, at Huntsville, Alabama.

James Buchli currently serves as operations and utilization manager for space station, Boeing Defense and Space Group, at Houston, Texas.

James Buchli is a recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Vietnam Gallantry Cross with silver star.

James Buchli is a 2019 inductee into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.

James Buchli was the 49th recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award on July 30,2024.