Colonel James A. Kiernan began his military career as a private with the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1935 and was attending Wisconsin State Teachers College when called into Federal Service in October of 1940. He was a member of the Infantry School OCS Class 189, being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943. He was then assigned to the 82d Airborne Division, participating in three European campaigns. In the Korean War, he served with the 1st Cavalry Division, participating in six campaigns. | Following the Korean War, Colonel Kiernan served with the 82d Airborne Division, the Material Requirement Division, CONARC, and with the U.S. Army Advisor Groups in Turkey and Saudi Arabia; Combat Developments Command, Special Warfare Agency, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Senior Army Advisor, Michigan Army National Guard. | For his military service Colonel Kiernan wears the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal w/ Pendant. He is also holdsthe Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge and the Distinguished Unit Emblem.