Vietnam War Veteran Elected Leader of The American Legion

Vietnam War Veteran Elected Leader of The American Legion
Published: August 30, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — A U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran has been elected national commander of the nation’s largest veterans organization.

Delegates to The American Legion’s 94th National Convention here chose James E. Koutz of Boonville, Ind., to lead the 2.4 million-member organization of wartime veterans for a one-year term.

Koutz entered the United States Army in August 1969. He attended Basic Training at Ft. Knox, Ky., and Advanced Infantry Training at Ft. Ord, Calif.

In January 1970 he reported to Vietnam and served an extended tour of duty with Co. C 169th Engineer Battalion. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 5 in March 1971 and quickly joined The American Legion. He is a member of Boonville Post 200 where his father, George, was a World War II veteran and a past commander of the post.

Jim was honored as a life member of his Post in 1991 and served as its post commander for nine years.
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