Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward (born May 3, 1924) was Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for the United States Navy from July 1, 1978, until June 30, 1982, after which he retired from military service. He is a 1947 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Hayward’s career began on the USS Antietam (CV-36), he attended flight training in Pensacola, Florida, and received his wings in July 1950. From the decks of the USS Essex (CV-9) and USS Valley Forge (CV-45), he accumulated 146 combat missions over Korea and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, ten Air Medals, and three Navy Commendation Medals with Combat "V". During the Vietnam War, Hayward flew 36 missions, receiving the Legion of Merit and three Air Medals