Watson Coleman: “today I rise to remember the sacrifices of James Lee Krull, Richard Bruce Apland, Victor Art Rabel, David Aaron…”

“today I rise to remember the sacrifices of James Lee Krull, Richard Bruce Apland, Victor Art Rabel, David Aaron Ritzschke, and Richard Lee Lohse, five individuals from Herman, MN, who gave their lives for the United States during the Vietnam war. On July 9, 2006, the Herman High School Class of 1967 will gather at the Vietnam War Memorial to remember and memorialize the 36th anniversary of the death of classmate James Lee Krull, as well as four other brave men from Herman who during the Vietnam war made the ultimate sacrifice. James Lee Krull was born on November 23, 1949, the older of two children to Mr. and Mrs. Lean Krull. He attended high school in Herman, MN, and graduated with the class of 1967. After graduating from high school he studied welding at Alexandria Technical College and in 1969, he was engaged to be married to Donna Hutchinson. He began his tour of duty in Vietnam on March 11, 1970, as an Army corporal serving as a medic with the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. On July 9, 1970, Jim died from wounds he received on June 14, 1970, while on patrol in Cambodia. Jim was a highly decorated soldier. Prior to his death, Jim was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for heroism, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Expert badge with automatic rifle bar.…”