Major General James E. Livingston, a Medal of Honor recipient, retired on 1 September 1995, following over 33 continuous years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. His last assignment was the Commanding General of Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in June 1962, following graduation from Auburn University. Early assignments included service as a platoon commander, intelligence officer and as a Recruit Training Regiment series commander.

Promoted to captain in June 1966, Capt Livingston served as the Commanding Officer of the Marine detachment aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Wasp, before joining the 3d Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam in August 1967.

On 2 May 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer, Company E, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, he distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy forces, and earned the Medal of Honor.

After his second tour in Vietnam, he served as an instructor at the Army’s Infantry School, Director of Division Schools for the 1st Marine Division, and later, as S-3 of the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines. In March 1975, he returned to Vietnam and served as Operations Officer for the Vietnam evacuation operations which included Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon.

He then commanded the Marine Barracks, United Kingdom, London, and served as Commanding Officer, 3d Recruit Training Battalion and then as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Training at the Marine Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. During this period, he earned a master’s degree in Management from Webster University. He then served with the 2d Marine Division and commanded the 6th Marines before joining the Joint U.S. Assistance Group in the Republic of the Philippines.

Following advancement to brigadier general on 10 June 1988, he served as Deputy Director for Operations at the National Military Command Center in Washington, D.C. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, BGen Livingston commanded the Marine Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, California and developed the Desert Warfare Training Program. After command of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, he was advanced to major general on 8 July 1991, and assumed command of the 4th Marine Division. In July 1992, he assumed command of the newly created Marine Reserve Force, and continued through its reorganization in October 1994, with its new title, Marine Forces Reserve.

Major General Livingston is a native of Towns, Georgia. He is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Air War College. His decorations include: the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star Medal, Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, Purple Heart (third award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (second award), Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon (second award), and various other service and decorations. He is a qualified military parachutist.

Medal of Honor Citation