PERRYVILLE — A Perryville man was among five veterans inducted into the Missouri Veterans’ Hall of Fame’s class of 2021 Friday.
James M. Eddleman will be inducted during a ceremony in the Rotunda at the Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri.
(Photo taken from Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame video of the ceremony)
Eddleman was drafted into the Army in 1966 and fought in the Tet Offensive. As he transported the severely wounded to Medevac helicopters, he promised himself that, if he survived, he would find a way to honor his comrades who died. This promise ultimately led to the planning of Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial in Perryville. Eddleman and his family donated 47 acres of their 48-acre family farm and much of his savings. After much hard work, his vision of recreating the Vietnam Memorial in Perryville became a reality, and the wall officially opened in May 2019. He has been an active board member since its opening.
Inductees to the Veterans’ Hall of Fame require a Missouri connection, honorable military service and must have contributed exceptionally to the community, the state and/or the nation.
A video of the ceremony can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/missouriveteranshalloffame/videos/581092883161552