James Buchli, born June 20, 1945 in New Rockford, North Dakota, flew into space four times with NASA's Space Shuttle program. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1967 and received a commission in the US Marine Corps. He served in the Vietnam War as a Platoon Commander with the 9th Marine Regiment, and then for B Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. He returned to the US in 1969 and completed his training as a naval flight officer.
Buchli was chosen as an astronaut in 1979. His first flight was aboard Discovery (STS-51-C) as mission specialist in January 1985. The mission was dedicated to the US Department of Defense, and he returned to Earth after just over 3 days in space.
His second mission was aboard Challenger (STS-61-A) as flight engineer in October-November 1985, the last successful mission of the Challenger. He spent seven days in space.
Buchlil's third mission was aboard Discovery (STS-29) as mission specialist in March 1989 to insert a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) into orbit. He spent almost 5 days in space before returning to Earth.
His fourth and final mission was aboard Discovery (STS-48) as mission specialist in September 1991 to deploy the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). He returned to Earth after more than 5 days in space.
Buchli retired from NASA in 1992
