Marine Cpl. Paul J. Himmels

Marine Cpl. Paul J. Himmels. . Born August 7, 1930, Paul J. (Buddy) Himmels was the only living son in a family of eleven children born to Paul H. and Theresa (Goedtkin) Himmels of Windthorst, Texas. Paul had one brother, Francis (d. 1940), and nine sisters, Helen Berend, Ida Mar Brenneis, Juanita Munchrath, Pauline Cassidy, Mabel Bowlden, Margie Himmels, Betty Jo New, Ann Veitenheimer, and Annette Fleitman., Following the death of his father, young Paul, a student of Windthorst School and a graduate of Subiaco Academy, was entitled to be exempt from military service. However, he felt called to duty to defend the nation he loved. He was drafted into the United States Marines on January 21, 1951, at the age of 21. He trained in San Diego, California and was assigned to serve with the 1st Division U.S. Maine Company on September 16, 1952., When he was sent overseas to Korea, Corporal Himmels was appointed Squad Leader of Company G, a position of trust and responsibility. He was at the front line for the third time, when Corporal Paul J. Himmels, at the age of 22, was killed in action., It was a devastating day on July 31, 1953, for the family of Marine Corporal Paul J. Himmels when they received a telegram from the U.S. Government informing them that their son and brother had been killed in action six days earlier on July 25, 1953, in Korea, just two days before the "cease fire" order was issued., Paul was young to be a Corporal, but he accepted this rile of leadership. One can note his advanced wisdom and bravery by the words contained the President of the United States citation that accompanied the presentation of the Bronze Star Medal posthumously to Corporal Himmels. It reads, "For heroic achievement while serving as Squad Leader of Company G, Third Battalion First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 July 1953. When an overwhelming enemy force launched a sudden and vicious attack, supported by a devastating mortar and artillery barrage, on a critical sector of the main line of resistance, Corporal Himmels unhesitatingly led his squad in a determined defense of an important approach to the company's position and fearlessly moved about in the face of heavy fire to direct his men and shout words of encouragement. With his squad overrun by the numerically superior hostile force, he courageously led his men in a hand-to-hand encounter with the onrushing attackers until he and his entire unit were annihilated. The brave sacrifice of the squad delayed and disorganized the attacking enemy, thereby enabling the company to reorganize and defend the left flank of the position. By his outstanding leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Corporal Himmels served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." , Three months later, the body of Corporal Himmels arrived by train in Wichita Falls, Texas, accompanied by a U.S. Marine Guard en route for burial in St. Mary's cemetery in Windthorst. The date was October 5, 1953., Because of his bravery and sacrifice of life, Corporal Paul J. Himmels posthumously received the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Gold Star Lapel button and the Bronze Star Medal., Medals alone cannot fully define a person. It is those precious family memories that keep a loved one close, and dearly missed today, even though he left so long ago. However, the actions represented by those medals are a true yardstick with which to measure a man's life. Paul Himmels made a choice to defend life, and in doing so, he gave his own. Let us not forget the hero he was., The home of the free because of the brave , Semper Fidelis , God Bless America