James was assigned to Charlie Troop on May 2, 1967 and was Killed in Action on September 16, 1967. James was an Infantryman or a “Grunt” as they were called. James was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge (CIB), Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
If any family member or friend reads this blog, please contact me as I am looking for personal stories about this brave man.
From James’ sister JoAnn: We grew up in a suburban neighborhood outside of Pittsburgh Pa. We were always Pirate fans. On Labor Day weekend of 1966, we decided to ride our bikes from our home in Forest Hills down to the ball park, Forbes Field. It was @ an 8 mile bike ride, no problem for a group of athletic kids. I was 14, and Jimmy was the oldest, I think 18 or 19. There were about 8 of us kids. After a long bike ride, we finally got to the Pirates’
stadium. We climbed up the trees outside the ball park, and you could
see into the field. We waved to the Braves outfielders, and heard the
National Anthem. Then we heard a cop yelling, “Hey you kids! If you
want to see the game, you have to buy a ticket!” He chose Jimmy
because he was the oldest, but none of us had any money. We scraped
together $1 for a bleacher ticket, and Jimmy went into the game. The
rest of just hung around outside. We couldn’t believe Jimmy stayed for
the whole game, but what the heck. Then we rode our bikes home,
thrilled with our adventure. We got home in time for supper, and our
parents never knew anything about it. The next day, I started 10th
grade, and at the end of September, Jimmy left for the Army. This is
one of my fondest memories of Jimmy, just having fun and being kids
together. Thanks for helping to keep his memory alive.
JoAnn
Charlie Troop 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry Regiment 
JoAnn Wise Harper
June 3, 2018
James “Jimmy” Wise was my beloved older brother. I am proud of his service, his heroism, and his sacrifice
patrickbieneman
June 3, 2018
JoAnn, My name is Pat Bieneman. I am the owner of this blog. I have tried everything I could think of to find Jimmy’s family but could not do so. You are part pf our Gold Star Family.
Every year we hold a reunion. At our reunion we Honor “Our Fallen Brother” and our Gold Star Families” that come to the reunion. I would like to ask you to come to one of our reunions. This tears reunion will be held September 22nd,23rd and 24th in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
I was also wondering if you remember a story, either funny, sad or one just about his kindness that you would like to share? If you do please send it to pcbnamin@verizon.net and I will post it to Jimmy’s my post on him. I always say I can tell the Military side but I can not tell the human side and I want the world to know these Brave men for qho they really were.
Are there any other siblings?
Thank you,
Pat