Bishop in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

James D. Birchim

Photographed by Craig Baker, October 31, 2025

1. James D. Birchim Marker

Inscription.
A native son of the Owens Valley, James Douglas Birchim spent his childhood in Independence and graduated from high school in 1964. His college studies were guided by an avid interest in entomology but were cut short due to the Vietnam War. In February of 1966, he began his Army schooling with OCS, Jump School, Chemical Corp, and Special Forces Training. In July of 1968, he was sent to Vietnam and was assigned to MACVSOG. On a mission in Laos his team came under attack. Jim called in air strikes on top of them and requested immediate extraction as all members of the team were wounded. All men returned to Kontum except for two that were killed in action and Jim who continues to be listed as missing in action as of November 15, 1968. For his heroism, Jim was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart. Above all he was a husband, father and beloved member of the Birchim family.

In loving memory of all those who are still listed as Missing in Action and Prisoners of War.

Erected 2011 by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8988 Bishop CA.

Topics and series. This historical marker

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is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart series lists.

Location. 37° 22.455′ N, 118° 23.757′ W. Marker is in Bishop, California, in Inyo County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and U.S. 6, on the left when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1190 N Main St, Bishop CA 93514, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Mule (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Fortune Seekers (approx. 0.4 miles away); "Atlas Copco Mucker" (approx.

Photographed by Craig Baker, October 31, 2025

2. James D. Birchim Marker

half a mile away); Slim Princess (approx. 0.7 miles away); Whiskey Creek History (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Kittie Lee Inn (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Ernest Kinney Teamster Family Mural (approx. ¾ mile away); First United Methodist Church of Bishop (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bishop.

Regarding James D. Birchim. OCS is Officer Candidate School.
MACVSOG is Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observations Group.

Photographed by Craig Baker, October 31, 2025

3. James D. Birchim Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 8, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.