Name/Title
Studer Vietnam Vet JacketEntry/Object ID
2026.41.1Description
Vietnam War Veteran's commemorative jacket belonging to James Lee Studer (1947-2026). Jim worked at E.F. Johnson Company for 34 years.Context
This Vietnam Veteran jacket is a commemorative piece of apparel designed to honor the service members who fought in the Vietnam War. While it is a modern tribute jacket rather than a piece of standard military-issued wartime field gear, its detailed graphics hold deep symbolic meaning for the veteran community:
• The Map: The green geographic silhouette in the background represents the unified country of Vietnam.
• The Ribbons: The colorful bars laid across the center replicate the ribbons of military campaign awards. The distinct yellow ribbon with green borders and central red stripes is the Vietnam Service Medal. It was awarded to any U.S. service member who served in Vietnam, its contiguous waters, or airspace between 1965 and 1973. The green and white striped bar to its right represents the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
• The Motto: The phrase "All Gave Some, Some Gave All" is a widely recognized military maxim credited to Korean War veteran Howard William Osterkamp. It honors the collective sacrifices of all service members while paying specific, somber tribute to those who lost their lives in defense of their country.
Commemorative items featuring these exact emblem configurations are widely worn by veterans at reunions, memorials, and everyday outingsRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Studer, James LeeNotes
Born on March 20, 1947 in Denver Colorado, James Lee Studer was the son of Earl "Bob" and Betty Studer. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1965 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1966 until his honorable discharge in August of 1968. Jim was united in marriage to Jolene Elsea on March 23, 1968 in Sweet Springs, Missouri. They made their home on Lake Sakatah from 1972 until moving to Mankato in 2025. He passed away at the age of 79 in his Mankato home on August 17, 2026 surrounded by his loving wife, Jolene, and his sisters, Sandy and Cindy.
Jim was employed with the E.F. Johnson Company in Waseca for 34 years. He loved hunting, fishing, and sports. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.Create Date
October 9, 2026Update Date
October 16, 2026
