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
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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)
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1959-1960, 534.1, HHC, US Army Europe (Rear)/(Communications Zone)
Best Friends COL William T. Dozier, Chemical Officer (Passed 24 Dec 1993) CSM George L. Murray, Operations Sergeant Mr. Pat Conlon
Other Memories On 24 Jul 1959, after reenlisting at Grafenwohr, Germany for a period of 6 years, Jim was transferred to Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), US Army (Rear)/(Communication Zone) at Orleans, France. He and his family traveled to Orleans by private automobile. They resided off Post at the Hotel de Paris for the first 90 days and then moved to a small two bedroom apartment near the Post. He performed duties as Operations Sergeant (and later as Chemical Supply Sergeant) in the Chemical Division of that Headquarters.
During the months of June and July 1960, Jim's mother vacationed in Europe. She made a brief stop in Ireland before arrival in France. He and his family met her Plane at Le Bourget Airfield in Paris. She remained with them at their home for a few weeks. Jim was occupied at work during normal duty hours; however, after working hours and on weekends he managed to show her the sights of France surrounding Orleans.
Jim then took leave and they packed Camping Gear into his large 1955 Chrysler and left Orleans for a 15 day tour of Europe. He purchased a number of Coupons which, at the time, were acceptable at Stations throughout the different countries as payment for Gasoline.
Jim, Marthe and his mother traveled thru Verdun and spent the first few nights at Metz with his brother-in-law Jacques and his wife, Therese.
After visiting the sights around the Metz area, they proceeded through Strasbourg into southern Germany. They spent one night in a tent at a spot on a Lake in the Black Forest.
The following day, they rode thru Austria, Lichtenstein and Switzerland and over the Julier Pass into Italy where they stopped at a roadside park along Lake Como and slept in the automobile. They were awakened early the next morning by the sound of two truck drivers in heated debate over some unknown wrong - they were speaking Italian and apparently ready to do battle with each other. Jim decided that this was no place for them to be so they left the area and proceeded along the route south to the coast. After driving about an hour, they found a man standing in the middle of the road waving down the traffic. They did not speak Italian and had no idea what he was saying. Jim asked if he spoke English - No, French - No, German - Yes, a little. They finally learned that he owned a nearby Restaurant and was advertising his business. They were ready to stop so they did. They enjoyed an excellent Breakfast at his place. They then proceeded onward to the City of Milan (Milano). Their route took them through the middle of the City where they had to traverse several Traffic Circles that were designed to accommodate the smaller Italian automobiles. It was all Jim could do to maintain his place within the markers with about seven or eight smaller vehicles competing for spots in the four or five lane Traffic Circles. At the time, the entire country was participating in a nation-wide Worker's Strike. It seemed that everyone was amazed to see the large American automobile and took offense at the sight - shaking their fists at it. They hurried on toward the south and, at Genoa, turned back into France. They crossed the Frontier at Menton and it felt like they had returned home. They drove on to Monoco. After visiting the Palace, they proceeded on to Nice.
They set up their Tent at a Camp Ground just north of the Beach and stayed there about a week. Jim got a bad sunburn after laying in the sunlight on the beach about 40 minutes - it was extremely painful and affected his enjoyment of the French Riveria and the rest of the trip.
When they finally left Nice, they proceeded through Cannes and Marseilles to the Sanctuary at Lourdes. They had a nice visit and stayed the night at a nearby Camp Ground.
They then proceeded on westward to Biaritz and then turned north back to their start point, Orleans. They managed to stop at a few Wine Tasting establishments along the way.
They all agreed that the 15 day trip was enjoyable. Jim was very happy because it had cost only $125.00 plus the cost of the Gasoline Coupons that he had purchased earlier.
Shortly thereafter, Jim's mother departed France aboard a Cruise Ship at Le Havre.
During the month of June 1960 shortly after Jim's mother arrived at the airport in Paris, Andrew notified Jim and Marthe that he was going to be transferred to Korea from his post at Fort Dix, NJ. He advised that he planned to move his family to France where they would stay while he was away in Korea. They needed a place to stay while house hunting in France. Both Jim and Marthe insisted that they stay with them. They agreed to watch the children while Jim, Marthe and his mother were away on vacation. Jim met Andrew and his family when they arrived at Orly Airport in Paris. Although the apartment was small and sleeping arrangements were inadequate, all ten of them managed to survive (wall-to-wall sleeping on the floor). That situation was eased somewhat when Jim, Marthe and his mother left on their vacation trip. During their absence, Andrew and Marcelle located an apartment of their own and Marcelle and their children made ready to take possession; Andrew was ready to return to Fort Dix, NJ and travel on to Korea.
During their stay at Orleans, Andrew and Jim entered and recorded the following bet on the rear of a painting:
"2 Jul 60 $5 bet. Stuckey - Jimmie Far East bef completing 20 years pay Stuckey 20 years bef Far East pay Jimmie"
On 18 Oct 1960, Jim was promoted to the grade of Sergeant First Class (E-7); his MOS 534.7627 - Chemical Staff Specialist.
On 9 Nov 1960, Jim was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service during the period 5 Aug 1959 - 9 Nov 1960. BG Fred C. Weyand, Chief of Staff, HQ, US Army, Europe (Rear) Communications Zone, made the presentation and pinned the medal.
In Dec 1960, Jim was transferred to the 22nd Chemical Company (Combat Support) at Fort McClellan, AL. He and his family returned to the United States aboard the US Army Transport Ship USNS General Alexander M. Patch (T-AP-122) leaving from the Port at Bremerhaven, Germany and arrived at New York Harbor about 10 days later. Their private automobile had been shipped earlier and was at New York when they arrived.