James Livingston
David D. Dorton
Communications & Legislative Affairs Director
James Livingston
General, USMC
The second recipient of the City of Auburn Distinguished Veterans Award, General Livingston was commissioned in June 1962 after graduation from Auburn University. Early assignments included service as a Platoon Commander, Intelligence Officer, and as Commanding officer of the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Wasp. Promoted to Captain in June 1966, he reported for duty in the Republic of Vietnam in August 1967.
On May 2, 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, General Livingston distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy forces and earned the Medal of Honor. He is the only known Auburn graduate to ever receive the Medal of Honor, the Nation's highest award for valor on the battlefield.
Subsequent to his second tour in Vietnam, General Livingston served in a series of tours including, in the spring of 1975, Operations Officer for the U.S. evacuation of Vietnam.
Promoted to Brigadier General in June 1988, General Livingston served as the Deputy Director for Operations at the National Military Command Center in Washington D.C. During the Gulf War, he commanded the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center and developed the Desert Warfare Training Program. General Livingston's last tour prior to retirement was Commander, Marine Reserve Force, headquartered in New Orleans.
Following his military career, Major General Livingston joined New Orleans-based Columbus Properties, LP as executive Vice President and also serves as President of Columbus Communities, LLC. Active on numerous business and charitable boards, General Livingston is married to the former Sara Craft. They have two grown daughters.