In 1966, our graduating year, there were no Pell Grants, student loans, etc for people to go to college. As most people, Jim Herrin was probably unable to afford this luxury and enlisted in the Army. It was that or be drafted if you were not in college. Jim was born on April 4, 1948 and was killed by hostile fire in Vietnam on Oct 30, 1969. Opinions on the war vary, but one fact remains the same, Jim was following the orders of his Commander-in-chief (The President of the United States). The theory during this time in American History was that communism would over-take Southeast Asia and continue to over-take countries until they reached the shores of California (the domino theory).
Jim fought and died defending his country and for this reason, I believe he should be honored ot the Wall of Fame. He was the only classmember of 1966 that was killed by hostile fire. He was 20 years old when he died.