Battle of the Bulge Purple Heart and Bronze Star Veteran Saluted by Ohio Senate

The Greatest Generation.

They saved the world from tyranny as teenagers.

They came home, went to work, and made the United States of America into what it is today.

84 years after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, there are not many of these patriots living today.

This week the Ohio Senate had the unique once in a lifetime honor of saluting and celebrating the 100th birthday of a United States Army Veteran who fought in the storied Battle of the Bulge in 1944.

State Senator Steve Huffman  presented a resolution in front of the Ohio Senate to James Erisman for his birthday that marked an entire century.

"Jim is a national hero who courageously answered the call of duty and served our nation with honor," said Senator Huffman. "Jim Erisman is an exceptional Ohioan and reaching the age of 100 years old is a truly impressive feat. I'm proud to recognize Jim in front of the entire Senate today."

In an impressive showing of support veterans who are now serving in the Ohio Senate came forward to salute Erisman. Watch Senator Terry Johnson(Army), Senator Steve Wilson(Navy), Senator Hearcel Craig(Army), and Senator Casey Weinstein(Air Force) walk forward and salute the remarkable legacy and service of Jim Erisman. Watch it here on the Senate's YouTube page.

Jim Erisman entered active duty into the U.S. Army on June 23, 1944, serving in the 30th Infantry Division in Europe. A veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, Jim was honored with a Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the American Theatre Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Erisman officially turns 100 on November 27, 2025. 

We honor his service and celebrate with his family.