THE WALL OF FACES

Jim and I were XO' of Charlie and Delta companies. He was a great person and a dear friend.

1st Lt. James Ronald Firkus, 25 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Firkus, of Eagle Bend, died in combat in Viet Nam April 23rd, while serving his country.

James was born June 30, 1945 in Little Falls, Minnesota. While in attendance at Eagle Bend School from 1951 through 1963, James was a member of the Eagle Bend School patrol, attended Legionville in 1958, received top honors from region, district and state in band, was the Boy's State representative in 1962, awarded the National Science Foundation Scholarship and graduated an honor student in 1963.

After high school, James attended St. Cloud State College from 1963 to 1967 and Purdue University in 1967 and 1968. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Clarissa and the Newman Center in St. Cloud.

On August 29, 1967, James married Janice Folk in Milbank, South Dakota. The couple resided in LaFayette, Indiana, Radcliff, Kentucky, Lawton, Oklahoma, Columbus, Georgia, Laurel, Maryland and St. Cloud, Minnesota.

James was commissioned a 2nd Lt. August 8, 1969, and on July 1, 1970 he was promoted to 1st Lt. He was a battalion Executive Officer and his last assignment was as Company Commander. He received the Army Commendation and Bronze Star.

Surviving Lt. Firkus are his wife, Janice, and sixteen month old son, Jason; his parents, Dorine and Frank Firkus of Eagle Bend; two brothers, John, of St. Cloud, and Michael of Eagle Bend; five sisters, Karen, Marie, Deborah, Sharon and Rita, all of Eagle Bend.

One sister, Roseann, and all of his grandparents preceded him in death.

James is buried in Floral Garden Cemetery, Clarissa, Minnesota.
God rest your soul, Currahee!

Class of 1963
Eagle Valley High School
Eagle Bend, Minnesota

I remember Jim (that's how he insisted I address him, instead of "LT") from FSB Henderson where we both served with the 11th Cav. until we both were transferred to the 101st Airborne sometime during February 1971. I was assigned to FSB Normandy while serving with 3/506th but didn't realize Jim was there too until the tragic accident which cost him his life. The short time I knew him was a pleasant one!!

There is a gentleman by the name of Jack Tipton that served with Mr. Firkus. I have offered to help him out on searching out information. He was telling me just the other day that he would like to get in contact with his son. I told him I would do what ever I could to help him out. Jack Tipton is a very nice gentleman and if someone could help me out to get some information to him I would be very appreciative.