Podcast: Play in new window | Download
1st Lt Russell A. Steindam and PFC Jose Santa Cruz.
Episode 2768 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with Colin Kimball who will tell about his passion for honoring our fallen heroes. In the interview he will describe in detail a method he uses to create updated and honorable images of our fallen military heroes.
Kimball tells about the Medal of Honor recipient, 1st Lt Russell A. Steindam who hails from Plano, Texas that inspired him to take on the project of honoring our fallen military heroes. He also tells the story of PFC Jose Santa Cruz. They both served with B Troop 3rd Squadron 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division.
Russell Albert Steindam (August 27, 1946 – February 1, 1970) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military’s highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Russell grew up in Plano, where his family moved when he was five years old. He graduated at the top of his class from Plano High School before entering the University of Texas.The Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, Texas is named after Lieutenant Steindam.
Jose Santa Cruz was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in 1949. He moved to Glendale at a young age and went on to graduate from Glendale High School in 1968. He joined the US Army two months later.
As they attempted to make a surprise attack, PFC Santa Cruz spotted an enemy grenade as it landed near his platoon leader. PFC Santa Cruz instinctly threw himself between the grenade and his platoon leader and took the blunt force of the grenade blast. He died instantly of his wounds as he saved the life of his platoon leader. For his actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
Listen to episode 2768 and discover more about Colin Kimball and his passion for honoring our fallen heroes.
