After discharge from the US Navy on 27 Jun 1946, Jim joined the US Army on 13 Sep 1947 and continued his military service in that organization until retirement on 31 Dec 1966 as a Sergeant Major in the US Army Chemical Corps (MOS: 54E-Nuclear, Biological, And Chemical (NBC) Specialist). His assignments took him to Pine Bluff Arsenal, AR; Panama Canal Zone and San Jose Island; US Virgin Islands; Tooele Army Depot, UT; Kaiserslautern, Berlin and Neu Ulm, Germany; Trois Fontaines and Orleans, France; Fort Hood and Fort Sam Houston, TX; and Fort McClellan, AL.
During the period 1947-1950, while assigned to the San Jose Project (at San Jose Island and Fort Sherman, Panama Canal Zone, and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands) Jim participated in the operation of a Chemical Agent Storage Facility and toxic chemical agent tests.
Throughout the years 1950-1966, Jim was assigned to various positions. The majority of his service was performed as an Operations Sergeant of S-3 or Chemical Sections in the Headquarters of several US Army organizations. These included: Berlin Command; 1st and 4th Armored Divisions; 100th Tank Battalion; Fourth US Army; US Army Europe (Rear)/Communication Zone; 83rd Chemical Battalion (Service); US Army Chemical School and Training Center; and 100th Chemical Group. He was granted and maintained a Top Secret Security Clearance. He received several awards and decorations including two prestigious Army Commendation Medals.
To cite a few other assignments: Toxic Gas Handler, San Jose Project; Toxic Gas Handler and First Sergeant, 421st Ordnance Ammunition Company; Scout Section Leader, Headquarters, Combat Command â??Aâ??, 4th Armored Division; Platoon Sergeant, 22nd Chemical Company (Combat Support).
During his military career with the US Army, Jim attended and satisfactorily completed several service and civilian schools designed to improve his leadership and technical knowledge and skills. These included:
-- 8 week Electricity Course at the US Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, VA.
-- 64 hour Chemical, Biological & Radiological Defense Training Course at Frankfurt Military Post, Frankfurt, Germany.
-- 26 hour Spoken French I - EM 500 Course presented by members of the Army Education Center, HQ, Berlin Military Post.
-- 83 hour Chemical, Biological & Radiological Specialist Course conducted by members of HQ, Berlin Command, Berlin, Germany.
-- 8 hour Projection Equipment Operator's Course conducted by members of the Army Film & Equipment Exchange Services at HQ, Fourth United States Army.
-- 20 hour Effective Writing Course presented by members of HQ, Fort Sam Houston, TX.
-- 40 hour Chemical Equipment Maintenance Course (Class 101) at US Army Chemical Depot, Midwest, Pine Bluff Arsenal, AR.
-- 2 week Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Leadership Course No. 58-12 conducted by members of the Army Education Center at Wiley Barracks, Neu Ulm, Germany. He graduated in first place.
-- 4 week Seventh US Army NCO Academy at Munich, Germany. He graduated in first place.
-- 60 hour Chemical, Biological and Radiological Officer and NCO Instructor Course conducted at Neu Ulm, Germany, by members of HQ, 4th Armored Division.
-- 8 week Advanced Chemical NCO (Staff Specialist) Course, Class No. 2, at the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 85 hour Chemical Munition Disposal Extension Course, presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 1 week Evasion and Escape Exercise presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 165 hour Chemical, Biological and Radiological Enlisted Extension Course presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 81 hour Enlisted Nuclear Defense Extension Course presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 218 hour Army Precommission Extension Course presented by the US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, GA.
-- 159 hour Chemical Officer Orientation Extension Course presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 80 hour Department of Defense (DoD) Nuclear Defense Extension Course presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 172 hour Chemical, Biological and Radiological Officer Extension Course presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 111 hour Chemical Supply Officer Extension Course presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 153 hour Chemical Officer Familiarization Extension Course presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 198 hour Chemical Officer Career Extension Course presented by the US Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 20 hour Emergency Medical Care Course presented by HQ, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- 6 Hour Course of Instruction for Educational Development Program Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) presented by members of the Army Education Center, Fort McClellan, AL.
-- Per Change 1, AR 611-208, dated 29 Jul 1964, subject: "Proficiency Pay for Enlisted Personnel", the US Army conducted annual Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) tests for NCOs. Those participants who received extremely high test scores were granted Proficiency Pay for Superior Performance. Jim always scored high on those tests and was awarded Proficiency Pay as a Sergeant Major in MOS 54E (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Staff Specialist) during the years 1964-66.
-- 30 hour course of study required for Civilian Defense Leaders - Radiological Monitoring for Instructors presented by members of the Department of Defense, Office of Civil Defense, State of Alabama and the University of Alabama.
-- Certificate of Equivalency of High School Graduation from the Department of Education, State of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR.
-- 8 hour course of study and special training for the Aerial Monitor Instructor Course conducted by the State of Alabama Civil Defense Department.
-- Comprehensive College Tests, General Examinations, US Armed Forces Institute, Madison, WI, and was awarded college credits equal to two years of college education.
-- 1 week Radiological Defense Officer Course conducted by members of the Office of the Secretary of the Army, Office of Civil Defense at Civil Defense Staff College, Battle Creek, MI.
-- Individual Income Tax Course conducted by H & R Block, Inc., Gadsden, AL.
In recognition of his military service with the US Army, Sergeant Major Jimmie D. Mains received the following awards: Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Medal (6th Award); Army of Occupation Medal - Germany; National Defense Service Medal; Cold War Certificate; Expert Badge with Rifle Bar; Marksman Badge with Carbine Bar.
After retiring from the US Army on 31 Dec 1966, Jim entered US Civil Service on 2 May 1967 and was employed by the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity Distribution Program (CDP) which later became known as Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
CDP/FNS was responsible for operation of all USDA food programs; i.e., Food Stamp Program, School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Commodity Distribution Program, etc. In order to accomplish that enormous task, the parent organization was organized into Regions each encompassing several States. The Regions were divided into Districts that were further divided into Field Offices. Varying numbers of Counties within a State were assigned to each Field Office.
While employed with CDP/FNS, Jim was assigned as Officer-in-Charge of Field Offices located at Somerset, KY; Holly Springs, MS; and Eutaw, Birmingham and Anniston, AL. When assigned to a Field Office, he was responsible for all aspects of CDP/FNS activities occurring within each of the Counties assigned to that Field Office.
During the period 1973-74, Jim was employed as Supervisor, Food Stamp Quality Control Program, with assignment in FNS's Southeast Regional Office at Atlanta, GA. Activities included supervision of his team of inspectors engaged in the conduct of Quality Control Inspections of Food Stamp Program operations within each of the 8 States assigned to the Region.
Throughout his service with CDP/FNS, Jim retained the pay grade of GS-11 while assigned to Field Office positions and GS-12 when assigned to the Regional Office.
On 16 Oct 1982, Jim transferred from USDA's FNS to the US Department of Defense (DoD) and was employed as a Military Research Analyst in the US Army Chemical School at Fort McClellan, AL.
Initially, Jim was assigned in pay grade GS-11 to the Studies Branch, Concepts and Studies Division, Directorate of Combat Developments (DCD).
On 14 Oct 1984, Jim was promoted to GS-12 and reassigned to the Force Analysis Branch, Organization and Personnel Systems Division, DCD.
During those assignments, Jim participated in the conduct of several studies, performed various force analysis type operations and was cited as "the Chemical Corps recognized expert on force structure". He coordinated activities pertinent to Chemical Functional Area Assessments (CFAAâ??s) and vehicular requirements of Chemical organizations. He was granted and maintained a Top Secret Security Clearance.
During his civil service career with USDA and DoD, Jim attended and satisfactorily completed several service and civilian schools designed to improve his leadership and technical knowledge and skills. These included:
-- 2 week Training Session for Consumer Food Programs Officers-in-Charge, US Department of Agriculture, Consumer and Marketing Service, Consumer Food Programs, Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta, GA.
-- 40 hour Introduction to Supervision Course presented by members of the Atlanta Region, US Civil Service Commission.
-- 40 hour 1973 National Quality Control Training Course presented by members of the Food Stamp Division, US Department of Agriculture, Atlanta, GA.
-- 40 hour Basic Management Functions Course presented by members of the US Civil Service Commission, Atlanta Region.
-- 40 hour 1974 National Quality Control Training Course presented by members of the Food Stamp Division, US Department of Agriculture, Atlanta, GA.
-- Statistical Sampling for Auditors Course presented by instructors from the Bernard M. Baruch College of the University of New York at Washington, D.C.
-- 48 hour Real Estate Course conducted by Wingard Real Estate School, Anniston, AL.
-- Accounting Courses at University of Alabama (UAB).
-- 16 day Directorate of Combat Developments (DCD) Orientation Course presented by members of the US Army Chemical School.
-- 72 hour course of study required for Civil Preparedness Leaders: Radiological Monitoring, presented by members of the State of Alabama Civil Defense Department.
-- 8 hour Proofreading Workshop presented by members of HQ, Fort McClellan, AL
-- 80 hour Contracting Officers' Representative Course, at US Army Logistics Management Center, Fort Lee, VA.
-- 80 hour Integrated Logistics Support Management Techniques in Materiel Acquisition Course at US Army Logistics Management Center, Fort Lee, VA.
-- 3 week Force Integration Course - Developing the Force, Course No. 2G-54C, at US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS. He was the designated "Honor Graduate" for that class.
-- 8 hour Speed Reading Course presented by members of the US Army Chemical School.
-- 8 hour Prevention of Sexual Harassment - Employee Course, presented by members of the US Army Chemical School.
-- 4 week Training Developer Course, Class No. 86-3, at US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS.
-- 40 hour Computer Literacy for Auditors Course at US Army Logistics Management Center, Fort Lee, VA.
-- Basic Income Tax Preparation Course conducted by H & R Block, Inc., Anniston, AL.
-- 12 hour Personal Computer - Getting Started Course conducted by Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL.
-- 6 hour Microsoft Front Page Course conducted by Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL.
In recognition of his civil service with DoD, Military Research Analyst Jimmie D. Mains received the Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
After more than 43 years in service to his country, Jim became an avid genealogist. He researched material pertaining to the ancestors of his close and extended family members and developed a library of facts, suppositions, assumptions and family lore. He wrote and published genealogy books that will be used for the enlightenment of future generations of his relatives.
Jim continues to support non-profit activities of veterans organizations, civic groups and clubs in which he has maintained membership; including: Chemical Corps Regimental Association (CCRA) - (at MG Gerald G. Watson Chapter, served in positions of Operations Officer and Advisor; at the National Headquarters, currently serving as a Director at Large); Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 924 - (served in positions of Quartermaster/Adjutant, Trustee and Service Officer); NARFE Chapters 0353 and 1511 â?? (at Chapter 0353, served in position of Treasurer); The American Legion; Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Association of the US Army (AUSA) â?? Anniston Satellite, Redstone-Huntsville Chapter; Brotherhood of Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE) Lodge No. 189; Berlin US Military Veterans Association (BUSMVA); USS Bayfield (APA-33) Veterans Association; 1st Armored Division Association; Sergeant Majors Association - Redstone Arsenal; Veterans of Underage Military Service (VUMS); Together We Served. He has received several prestigious awards, for example: for his military and civilian service in the US Army Chemical Corps, the CCRA presented him with the â??Ancient Order of the Dragonâ?? award; while serving as Post Quartermaster at VFW Post 924, he received the state-wide title "Captain All-State Team of Post Quartermasters".
On 27 Oct 2010, Jim joined a group of about 170 WW II veterans and their guardians and traveled to/from Birmingham, AL - Washington, D.C. to visit numerous memorial sites located in parks at our nation's capitol. The trip was sponsored by Honor Flight, Inc., to recognize American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements.
During the period 23 - 30 Oct 2011, Jim joined a selected group of 11 Berlin US Military Veterans Association (BUSMVA) members and participated in the 2011 Welcome Home to Berlin Tour. This expense paid trip was sponsored by the Checkpoint Charlie Foundation (CCF) (an affiliate of the German Government) whose goal is to develop and maintain German-American relations. The CCF promotes and organizes various projects and programs, while at the same time serving the interests of both countries as a contact organization.
Other Comments:
Peavy, Dr. Thomas, SP5 Medical Department
Sergeant Major,
Thanks for the stop-by at my page. Additional thank for your service beyond the USN. What a career you have had. You are a part of the generation in which my dad and uncles served. You men of WWII are my heroes. I grew up hearing of the great things all of you did. Were it not for you and those men, our nation and lives would be so different. My one enlistment in the USAR was instructive and certainly prepared me for a return to the Navy as a Corpsman. Little did I know that I would spend twelve years attached to the Fleet Marine Force as a Corpsman based on my Army time. Old Senior Chief Petty Officers such as I are honored to offer an honorary rack in the Goatlocker to those who hold ranks equivalent to Chief and above. If you have an opportunity drop by my Together We Served USN page and pay a visit. In my Chief's mess you are always welcomed. Thanks again for all you have done for our nation in and out of uniform.
Dr. Thomas Peavy, HMCS,USNR,(Ret.)
Corpsman of Marines
________________________________________________
SGT Tom Wetzel
TOP, us young squirts want you to know that we know who really runs/ran the military. You are a credit to your country and ALL military services. Part of " THE GREATEST GENERATION" which is something I truly envy. There was a significant degradation of individual integrity beginning with us baby boomers that makes your whole generation a group to model ourselves after. Thank You for your service to our country. Tom ( Viet Era)
Best Friends Family: Father - Dayton Lee Turner (Passed 26 Dec 1963) Mother - Anna Ruth Hammond (Passed 27 Apr 1994) Sister - Bettye Ruth Turner (Passed 28 Jul 1994) Sister - Beatrice Darline Mains Brother - Victor D Wayne Mains Sister - Jacqueline Mains Brother - 1LT Jeremiah Patrick Allen Friends: S1/C Glen Dale Marshall (Passed 16 Dec 2009) S1/C Robert G. (Bob) Mathis (Passed 9 Mar 2003) S1/C Willard Magness (Passed Jul 1972)
Other Memories In Dec 1944, when his mother could stand his persistent pleadings no longer, she signed papers that permitted Jim to enter the service. He was only 15 years old at the time but she indicated that he was 17 (the minimum age allowed).
On 22 Jan 1945, Jim enlisted in the US Navy for the "Duration of the War plus Six Months". He traveled from his home in Pine Bluff, AR to Camp Robinson at Little Rock, AR where he assembled with other recruits and boarded a Troop Train for Boot Camp at San Diego, CA.
Travel aboard the Troop Train was exhausting but enjoyable. The trip lasted several days. It seemed that the train stopped at every town along the way. At each stop, they were met by well wishers who gave them food and drinks.
During Boot Camp (which lasted about 12 weeks), the recruits were issued clothing and equipment and learned about naval customs and procedures and how to act as Sailors. They learned how to march and carry a rifle - real weapons were in short supply, so they used wooden rifles during drills. On the Range, they fired 30.06 Rifles - the weapon kicked like a Mule. They learned how to swim and jump into the water from a 10 Meter platform simulating the deck of a ship - during those occasions, the swimmers always wore Mae West Life Jackets; its a wonder that the Vest's didn't take heads off when they entered the water. Jim recalls Jack Dempsey, the famous Heavy Weight Boxer, was their Instructor during Boxing Lessons. [A Platoon of trainees joined another Platoon of trainees and the trainees practiced boxing each other.] The food was plentiful and the best he had ever had. At enlistment, he weighed in at 147 pounds - at graduation from Boot Camp he weighed 182 pounds and was as hard as a rock. He had great respect for his Platoon Leader and thought the man was Jesus Christ or at least a high ranking officer. At Graduation, it was learned that his leader was a Seaman Second Class. He has since forgotten the man's name but still remember what a great leader he was. _________________________ After Boot Camp and a short leave, Jim transferred to the Amphibious Training Base at Coronado, CA and participated in Amphibious Training (which lasted about 8 weeks).
Jim and his fellow trainees learned about the operation and maintenance of Higgins Boats; i.e., Landing Craft, Mechanized (LCM); Landing Craft, Vehicle/Personnel (LCVP); etc. They practiced loading/unloading the Landing Craft at sea and movement to and from the beach during simulated invasion exercises.
At the end of the training, Jim joined the Garrison Boat Pool, an element of Group Pacific (GROPAC) 13. The unit left the United States for overseas locations and participated in naval amphibious operations. __________________________ En route from Coronado, CA to Treasure Island Naval Station at San Francisco, CA:
Personnel of the Garrison Boat Pool traveled by train to San Bruno, CA and shortly thereafter by truck to Treasure Island Naval Station at San Francisco, CA. _________________________ En route from Treasure Island Naval Station at San Francisco, CA to Philippine Islands aboard the US Navy Attack Transport (APA-33) USS Bayfield:
On 25 Aug 1945, unit personnel boarded the USS Bayfield and traveled [as passengers] via Eniwetok Atoll and Guam to Tacloban, Leyte, Philippine Islands.
Jim became seasick as the ship passed under the Golden Gate Bridge and did not recover for three days. He thought he would surely die.
As the ship approached Eniwetok Atoll, Jim noted how beautiful the island looked.
The ship ran low on fresh water and the Captain allowed the crew and about 1,500 Marine and Navy passengers to leave (jump from) the ship and swim in the harbor at Guam while the ship rode at anchor. Marine guards searching for Sharks patrolled the area in small boats with Machine Guns at the ready while the swimmers were in the water.
The voyage continued and the ship arrived at Leyte Gulf and unloaded its passengers and cargo on 14 Sep 1945. __________________________ En route from the Philippine Islands to Okinawa aboard the US Navy Attack Cargo Ship (AKA-77) USS Towner:
After a few days ashore, personnel of the Garrison Boat Pool departed the Philippine Islands en route to Okinawa. On arrival after a few days at sea they observed the results of the recent invasion. The destruction was overwhelming.
The unit was assigned to an area on the island. The personnel set up Squad Tents and awaited further orders. __________________________ En route From Okinawa via Tsingtao [now known as Qingdao] to Taku, China aboard the US Navy Vehicular Carrier and Troop Transport (LSV-6) USS Montauk:
The unit departed Okinawa about mid-October 1945 (soon after the devastating Typhoon on 8-9 October passed) aboard the LSV-6. Everyone was watchful for Floating Mines in the water between Okinawa and the mainland of China.
The ship arrived at Tsingtao after a few days at sea and all personnel remained aboard ship at pier side for a few more days before the ship continued its voyage onward to the harbor at Taku, China. _________________________ Life at Taku, China:
As an element of GROPAC 13, the Garrison Boat Pool was in support of the 1st and 6th Marine Divisions which had been sent to North China to assist Chinese Nationalist authorities in disarming and repatriating the Japanese and in controlling ports, railroads, and airfields. They also supported the Nationalist government while it reasserted its control of that nation in the face of anarchy and civil war.
Jim's unit established and maintained a Boat Pool at Taku, located at the mouth of the Hai River in Bo Hai Bay, which is connected to the Yellow Sea by the Bo Hai Strait. Unit personnel were involved with transporting troops, supplies and equipment between large ships that lay at anchor off the Taku Bar and the shore.
(Note: The Taku Bar is a submerged bank in the estuary created by continuous deposits of sand from the river. Located some ten miles east of the port city of Taku - the gateway to the major city of Tientsin [now known as Tianjin], the sand bar effectively blocked large American warships from proceeding further up-river.)
On arrival at Taku aboard the LSV-6, personnel of the Garrison Boat Pool left the ship and proceeded on to nearby Tangu, China where they were billeted in an abandoned warehouse complex for a period of time while they established a basin for their landing craft.
After a few weeks, they moved onto the Self Propelled Barracks Ship (APB-41) USS Wythe which remained parked pier side in the Taku Harbor. This ship originally had been launched as Landing Ship Tank (LST-575) and later modified and redesigned LST (M) and finally APB-41 USS Wythe.
As a member of the Garrison Boat Pool, Jim's primary occupation was Coxswain of Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM). _________________________ En route from Taku, China to San Diego, CA aboard the American Freighter and Troop Transport (SS Dashing Wave) (later renamed USS Choctaw):
In Jun 1946, Jim became eligible for return to America and discharge from the service.
On 5 Jun, Jim boarded the SS Dashing Wave in the anchorage at Taku, China, and left that ship in the harbor at San Diego, CA on 22 Jun 1946.
Note: In 1946, there were three Sea Lanes used by American ships to return to America from the vicinity of Japan; i.e.:
a. Northern Route: The ship maintained a course taking it north near the Aleutian Islands chain and arriving at Seattle, WA.
b. Middle Route: The ship maintained a middle course taking it to San Francisco, CA.
c. Southern Route: The ship maintained a southern course taking it to San Diego, CA.
The Southern Sea Lane was by far the best. Generally, the weather remained warm and the water was at rest. This was the Sea Lane that their Ship's Captain intended to take. He did so until about mid-voyage when the ship received a distress call from another ship traveling along the Northern Route indicated that they had a sailor aboard who was suffering from Appendicitis and needed immediate assistance. They had no hospital facilities aboard.
Of course, their Captain changed course and proceeded north to the ship in distress.
When their ship arrived within a short distance of the other ship, the waves were at least 40' high and both ships were pitching and yawing badly. They were in trouble. Everyone including the Crew became seasick. The Captain turned the Ship's Bow into the wind and ordered citrus fruits to be brought topside to help settle stomachs.
There was a call for volunteers to man a rescue party and travel over to the other ship and retrieve the ailing sailor. The waves were so high and the clouds so heavy that they were not able to see the other ship even though the ships were within a few hundred meters of each other. They dared not get much closer.
Several volunteers agreed to man the Captain's Gig and retrieve the ailing sailor. On two different occasions, the crew had trouble dropping the small boat into the water - the waves were so high and erratic that some of the sailors were injured when the small boat was pushed back up to the top of the davit and heads were cracked. Additional volunteers were called for.
Finally, the mission was complete and the volunteers with the ailing sailor in tow returned in the Captain's Gig. The boat was hoisted onto the deck of the ship; the ailing man was taken to Sick Bay where he joined several injured volunteers. They all received medical attention and the ship returned to its preferred Sea Lane.
After leaving the ship at San Diego, CA and participating in a Custom Inspection, he boarded a Troop Train and traveled to Millington, TN, where Jim received an Honorable Discharge from the service on 27 Jun 1946 (seven days before his 17th birthday when he became eligible to enlist legally).
During that enlistment, Jim attained the grade of Seaman First Class (E-3).
![[Other Service Rank]](https://ranks-tws.imgix.net/army/ARMY/no_insignia.png?ixlib=java-2.3.0&w=100&s=23b5573d656eb2bde1c3f1f108ef3965)
