Jim Webb

US Marine O3 shoulderboard

Navy Cross ribbon

Silver Star Medal ribbon

Bronze Star Medal ribbon

Purple Heart ribbon

James Webb, Assistant Secretary of Defense, official photo

Jim Webb

James Henry Webb Jr. (born February 9, 1946) is an American politician, author, and former military officer. He served as a United States Senator from Virginia from 2007 to 2013. Webb is a member of the Democratic Party and has also been a Secretary of the Navy and an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Jim Webb was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri. He is the son of James Henry Webb Sr., a career officer in the United States Air Force, and his wife, Vera Lorraine Hodges. Webb attended more than a dozen schools across the United States and in England before graduating from high school in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Webb earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1968. He later received a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1975.

Military Service[edit | edit source]

Webb served as a United States Marine Corps officer during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, two Bronze Star Medals, and two Purple Hearts for his service. Webb's experiences in Vietnam significantly influenced his later career as an author and politician.

Writing Career[edit | edit source]

Jim Webb is an accomplished author, having written ten books, including six novels. His notable works include Fields of Fire, a novel based on his experiences in Vietnam, and Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America. Webb has also written numerous articles and essays on military and foreign affairs.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Webb served as the United States Secretary of the Navy from 1987 to 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. He was also the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs from 1984 to 1987.

In 2006, Webb ran for the United States Senate from Virginia and won, defeating incumbent George Allen. During his tenure, Webb focused on issues such as veterans' affairs, foreign policy, and criminal justice reform. He chose not to seek re-election in 2012 and was succeeded by Tim Kaine.

2016 Presidential Campaign[edit | edit source]

In 2015, Webb announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States in the 2016 United States presidential election. However, he withdrew from the race in October 2015.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Webb has been married three times and has six children. He is currently married to Hong Le Webb, a Vietnamese-American lawyer. Webb's personal experiences and family background have played a significant role in shaping his views and political positions.