28th Veteran of the Quarter, Edward James Krieser, US Marines
September 16, 2017
Edward James Krieser enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December of 1965 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and traveled to Vietnam in November of 1966 as an Infantry Rifleman.
Upon arrival in Vietnam, the shortage of infantry platoon and squad radio operators caused Krieser’s commanding officer to send him for a crash course in the subject. After being wounded on two separate occasions and receiving the Purple Heart Medal, Krieser received an Honorable Discharge for medical reasons at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. In addition to the Purple Heart, he has the Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service with a Bronze Star, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon.
After discharge, Krieser married Linda Hagen, his childhood sweetheart since they were thirteen years old. He used his GI Bill benefits to go to electronics school and went to work for a Northwest Indiana Steel Mill as an Electrical Technician and retired after 41 years. Linda retired from teaching Middle School Special Education. The Kriesers moved to the Branson area in March of 2014.
Kriser is a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, a York Rite Knight Templar, and a Shriner. He is a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter, a Life Member of the Marine Corps League, a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, a Life Member of the American Legion, and Life Member of Military Order of Purple Heart. He is also a Life Member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and has served as its Commander-in-Chief and National Secretary. He is currently active in the Branson Chapter 913 of the Vietnam Veterans of America and Commanding Officer of the Fourth Military District of the Sons of Veterans Reserve holding the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel.