Karel Bretsch
kabretsch@nconnect.net
older sister
315 Hartford Square
Hartford,WI 53027 USA
We Lost Him in the Prime of His Life
Jim was only 25 years old when his plane was shot down. He left behind a mother who worked feverishly with the League of American Families for many years, writing letters to Hanoi and supporting other families with her positive outlook. She is still living today - a spry 86 years old. Jim has an older sister, Karel and a younger sister, Jeanne. He also has 4 nieces, Julie, Joy, Jennifer and Lisa and 2 nephews - Jonathan and Jeremy. He never got to meet Lisa, Jon or Jeremy as they were born after he was missing. He also left behind his fiancee,Diane. Jim loved flying. As a young boy he built and flew model airplanes. He entered contests and collected his share of trophies. He was a very competitive person - when he set his mind on accomplishing a task, he did just that. We have many wonderful memories of the times we spent together and he will always have a special place in our hearts. The hardest thing for Jim's family has been not really knowing what happened to him and having to accept that we will probably never know in our life time. We do believe though that one day God will gather us all together and there will be answers to the questions we have had for over 32 years.
Friday, January 28, 2000 |
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Toni Tish
maddogtish@aol.com
wore his POW bracelet
3149 Maryland St.
Decatur,IL 62521 USA
Laying of wreath at memorial
I wrote a couple of weeks ago regarding this vietnam war hero I never knew. I only wore his POW bracelet while I was in high school. Last week my daughter went on a school trip to Washington, D.C. They went to the memorial and my daughter was chosen to lay a wreath by James Ketterer's name. She made sure she got pictures for me. This may sound very silly, but it meant a lot to me for her to be able to do this. She knew how excited I was for her to go see his name on the wall. I know that he was single but I was hoping he would have someone besides me who still remembered him. I still have this bracelet and would be glad to return it to any family member.
Thursday, June 17, 1999 |
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Toni Tish
maddogtish@aol.com
none
3149 Maryland St.
Decatur,IL 62521macon
POW Bracelet
During the Vietnam War POW Bracelets were sold to raise money for the persons who were missing in action. I received my bracelet in 1973 while I was a senior in high school. The bracelet was to be worn at all times, never coming off until your prisoner of war was brought home. Capt. James A. Ketterer was the name on the bracelet I received. I never took it off. Not until the end of the war when we spent hours looking in the newspaper at lists of prisoners of war coming home. Capt. Ketterer's name was never on that list. I remember finally finding his name on some list, saying he was still missing in action and presumed dead. I have kept this bracelet all these years. In 1988 I wrote a letter to the Defense Intelligence Agency requesting any information. I thought the family might want my bracelet for a memento. I received a letter in return from Washington detailing the information about his downed aircraft and that no remains were found. The family had been notified about my letter but never responded. I still think about this special hero of mine anytime the Vietnam War is mentioned. I'm sure he's in a wonderful place. Heaven is for heros.
Wednesday, May 26, 1999 |
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D. BURT
A GRATEFUL AMERICAN
Rhode Island USA
*** NOT FORGOTTEN ***
"Our debt, to the heroic men and valiant women, in the service of our country, can never be repaid, they have earned, our undying gratitude. America, will never forget, their sacrifices." - PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN ~ CAPT., KETTERER, USAF - You are not forgotten, this day, nor will, you ever be. Thank you, for your supreme sacrifice and service, to this great nation. To the family, of CAPT., KETTERER - "They are not dead, who live in hearts, they leave behind" - Hugh Robert Orr
December 18, 2005 |
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David Schultz
US History Student
As part of my AP US History class, each student researches a Vietnam veteran and gives a report about them to the class. I have chosen Ketterer because of his sacrifice while in the line of duty. On this day, Memorial Day, we recognize and praise those who have fought in our armed forces. Although we may never know his final fate, he served our country with honor. I am proud to be able to tell KettererĘs story to my class and have his memory live on in us.
Monday, May 29, 2006 |
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