James B. Thayer

Thayer was as a member of the 71st Infantry Division in World War II. They deployed to the European Theater in February 1945, advancing from Alsace-Lorraine to crossing the Rhine River, then taking Coburg (April 11), Bayreuth (April 14-16), and Regensburg (April 27). On May 4, 1945, the 71st Infantry Division liberated a corpse-littered concentration camp called Gunskirchen. Some 15,000 prisoners were still in the camp, primarily Jews from Hungary.

Major Military Awards and Decorations:

• Silver Star Medal
• Bronze Star Medal
• Combat Infantry Badge
• Oregon National Guard Exceptional Service Medal
• Oregon National Guard Distinguished Service Award
• Department of Defense Seven Seals Award
• National Guard Association of the United States “Patrick Henry” Citation
• Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service
• Army Engineer Association Silver Order of the de Fleury Medal for Inspirational Leadership
• Association of the United States Army Award for Distinguished Service
• Oregon National Guard Commendation Medal for Outstanding Service

Additional Career Achievements:

• Civilian Aide to the United States Secretary of the Army
• Director, Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission
• Vice President, Association of the United States Army, Oregon
• Life Member, Board of Trustees, Oregon Graduate Institute for Science and Technology
• Member, Board of Stewards, Washington County Historical Society
• Honorary Council, Oregon Historical Society
• Honorary Colonel, 14th Infantry Regiment