WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)—A local hero made his mark in both the Marines and the Army.
Wichita veteran James Spiess served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps and, later, as a colonel in the Army, fighting in Vietnam and Iraq.
Spiess is a native Kansan who’s happy to call Wichita home, but his time in the Marine Corps and the Army has taken him far beyond the Sunflower State.
“The military for me was a great adventure around the world and in the States, and it was also a godly adventure, so I am grateful for that,” he said.
Spiess first served in the Marines back in 1965 and joined up three days after high school.
During his half-decade with the Marines, he served as an embassy guard in Russia during the Cold War and fought in Vietnam, earning accolades for rescuing a wounded marine while under enemy fire. He said that he made it out because of the brave veterans who served before him.
“Got through that with good leadership, and I was just amazed at the old marines that were still around after World War II. Here, these guys had served in World War II 20 years ago, and they were there guiding us and helping us and keeping us out of trouble,” said Spiess.
When he thinks back on Vietnam, another danger comes to mind: the venomous bamboo viper with which he crossed paths.
“My weapon was full of mud. It was no good. All I had was a bayonet, and I wasn’t going to win a fight with a snake with a bayonet. I prayed real hard to the good Lord, and that snake, as he moved, he started twisting the other way, and that’s the last I saw of him,” said Spiess.
Spiess ultimately earned the rank of staff sergeant in the Marines, but his military career was far from over. After getting his college education, he joined the Army National Guard as a tank commander and served in numerous other roles in the army.
He eventually rose to colonel and served as an inspector general in Operation Iraqi Freedom at the age of 57, where he was awarded the Bronze Star.
While combat in the jungle and desert was quite different, there was one glaring similarity.
“Vietnam was jungle, humid, dangerous, and Iraq was desert, very hot, cold at night, and dangerous,” said Spiess.
Spiess still fondly looks back on his military career and recommends it for anyone watching who needs direction in their life, but only if they’re serious, ready for the commitment, and have their lives in order.
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