Julien J. LeBourgeois

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Vice Adm. Julien Johnson LeBourgeois, U.S Navy (ret.), died Sept. 16, 2012.

A 1944 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of 1945), LeBourgeois was born Nov. 23, 1923, in Southern Pines, N.C. The son of Commander Henry Blow LeBourgeois of New Orleans, La., and Dorothy Johnson LeBourgeois of Savannah, Ga., he was raised in Long Beach, Calif.; Suva, American Samoa; New Orleans, La.; and prepped at Georgia Military Academy. During a stellar Navy career of 33 years, he served on the USS Columbia in operations to liberate the Philippines in World War II; was assistant naval attaché in Morocco; commanded USS Halsey during the Vietnam War, rescuing 17 downed U.S. airmen; served as senior aide to the chief of naval operations; held senior positions for NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Belgium and Norfolk, Va.; and finally was president of the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., 1974 to 1977. He earned an M.A. in international relations from George Washington University. His service decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (awarded twice), the Legion of Merit (awarded twice), and the Bronze Star for service in combat.

In retirement in New London, N.H., he led the creation of a popular continuing education program "Adventures in Learning" at Colby-Sawyer College for which the college bestowed "The Town Award" in 2004, acknowledging his extraordinary involvement in and noteworthy contributions to the community.

Admiral LeBourgeois spent his final years in Williamsburg, Va., where his dear wife of nearly 64 years, Priscilla Dudley LeBourgeois, continues to reside. Other survivors are a son, Julien Dudley LeBourgeois of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Anne LeBourgeois Grieves of Hong Kong and New Canaan, Conn.; and granddaughters, Alexandra Taylor Grieves and Victoria Armour LeBourgeois Grieves of New York, N.Y.

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services:A memorial service and burial, to be held at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., will be announced at a later date.