Lyle Franklin Bull (born April 8, 1938) was a rear admiral in the United States Navy. RADM Bull flew 237 Combat missions during 3 cruises to Vietnam. During a successful and harrowing single-ship mission into Hanoi, LT Bull was awarded the Navy Cross. He is an alumnus of Iowa State University.

Years of service
1961–1998
Rank
Rear admiral (upper half)
Commands held
Commander, Carrier Strike Force Seventh Fleet / Carrier Group 5
Commander, Carrier Group 7
Commander, USS Constellation (CV 64)
Commander, USS San Jose (AFS 7)
Commander, Attack Squadron 128
Commander, Attack Squadron 196

His awards include the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, 19 Air Medals, several Navy Commendations, Unit Awards, Meritorious Service awards, and a medal from the Imperial Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.

RADM Bull passed away peacefully on 4 May 2018, at 20:17 in his Whidbey Island home, surrounded by his beloved wife, 4 sons, and 1 daughter in law. He is survived by his wife, Diana, his Brother Rich, and 4 sons: Ron, Vince, Bruce (Tacie) and Dell (Kari), along with 13 Grandchildren and 20 Great Grandchildren. His family was the most important thing to him on this earth, and trumped the truly outstanding legacy of service and leadership that he achieved in his 37 years of Naval Aviation service. The love for the men and women he served with and lead was a hallmark of this exceptional man. His love for country, the people he served, and most importantly his Family are the things that have now risen with him to reunite with his Savior, where Lyle looks down upon us all with love, and pride. Fair winds and following seas for your next set of adventures, Husband, Father, Grandfather and friend. We will always love you.

In lieu of flowers please send any donations to the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW 2nd Ave, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or Wounded Warriors Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Services will be held Saturday May 12th, 2:00 pm at the NAS Whidbey Base Chapel. All those attending are advised to enter through the Langley Gate. All guests must have Identification (Driver license, id, etc...).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of RADM Lyle F. Bull, USN (Ret), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Affiliations