Jim's History
Lieutenant Colonel James Thorald Hermanson, USAFA Class of 1964, reported to the Academy on 27 June 1960 from the State of Nebraska. While at the Academy, he was first a member of the 20th Cadet Squadron and later, CS24. He coached the CS24 intramural water polo team to a wing championship. Excelling both academically and militarily, he commanded both CS24 and 4th Group as a firstclassman.
Following graduation, Jim married his high school sweetheart Barbara. Together they reported to Georgetown University, where Jim earned a Masters Degree in International Relations. He then reported to Webb AFB, TX for Undergraduate Pilot Training, where he maxed the course and received his follow-on assignment as an F-100 pilot. In 1967 and 1968, he served as a pilot in the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron in I Corps, South Vietnam, as well as an F-100 pilot with the 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam. In 1968, he became an instructor pilot in the OV-10 at Hurlburt AFB, FL, concurrently serving on the USAFSO Briefing Team. Jim resigned his regular commission on 31 October 1970, but continued to serve in the Air National Guard.
From 1970 to 1972, he was a teacher and a rancher in Hamilton, MT. In 1973, he entered a post-graduate program at Grace College of the Bible, Omaha, NE. He also served as a guest lecturer at Kennedy College in Wahoo, NE. From 1974 to 1979, he was a teacher and coach at Nebraska Christian High School. In 1979, Jim and his family moved to Greeley, CO, where he served as athletic director and coach at Heritage Christian School. From 1980 to 1987, Jim and Barbara owned JB Popcorn Shop in Fort Collins, CO. In 1987, Jim became a technician with the Colorado Air National Guard at Buckley AFB, CO, where he first served as assistant airfield manager, and later as airfield manager and T-43 pilot.
A Command Pilot, Jim is the recipient of two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, eighteen Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He earned his EdD from the University of Northern Colorado and his MA from Georgetown University. He holds diplomas from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and Squadron Officer's School.
(Compiled from multiple sources by Doug Jenkins, '64)
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