James H. Kuhl Jr. was born and raised in Oakland, Calif., and enlisted in San Francisco in 1951. He fought at the Battle of the Punchbowl in Korea and was hospitalized in Korea. He separated in 1953 as a private first class and was later rated with 100 percent disability.
Jim was awarded two Bronze Stars - Valor Medals, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal for Korea.
After his Army service, Jim worked for Pacific Gas & Electric as a backhoe operator for 39 years.
He met his wife Jan Kuhl at "Parents Without Partners" and they have been married over 40 years. Between them they have three kids, 11 grandkids and eight great-grandkids.
After Jim retired from PG&E, they lived on the road as full-time recreation vehicle-ers for 21 years. Jim is also a ham radio operator rated as Amateur Extra Class - the top U.S. license class.
They enjoy line dancing, bocce ball, reading, and volunteering and having get-togethers with fellow American Legion Post 104, 550 and 603 comrades in Vallejo, Calif.
Jim and Jan are now settled in American Canyon, Calif. - the gateway to the famous Napa Valley wine country.