17th Veteran of the Quarter, James Long, US Army
December 21, 2014
WWII Master Sergeant James L. Long, (Jim), was born on August 16, 1924 in Springfield Missouri. He enlisted in the Army at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in February of 1943.
Jim was a heavy machine gunner at the rank of platoon Sergeant. He experienced frontline combat and his platoon did tasks that other units would not do. There were two first wave landings: Anzio, Italy and Southern France. The 4th Ranger Battalion was disbanded because of excessive casualties and the First Special Service Force was disbanded for the same reason, both of which he was a part of. He was discharged on October 31, 1945 in Jefferson Barracks, MO.
Jim was married to his childhood sweetheart, Muriel, on July 14, 1942, and they have six children. A son was lost as a result of the Vietnam War.
His medals include a Purple Heart, Bronze Star-ETO Victory Medal, French Diploma- Good Conduct Medal, 2 Commemorative Medals, Presidential Citation, 5 Bronze Campaign Stars, and Bronze Arrowhead.
Jim utilized the G.I. Bill to complete his education with a Physical Education degree and was employed in public education for 29 years having taught classes including: scuba diving, sailing, and gun-related sports at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, MO. The National Rifle Association, NRA, hired him to be an Instructor for the Olympic Training Center for gun sports in Colorado Springs, CO. Jim currently is retired living in Forsyth, Missouri and enjoys fly-fishing and golf.
To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please visit our website: www.bransonbank.com or stop by any of our Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form. Veterans are chosen by a panel of their peers.
THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!