Born on August 7, 1930, Paul J. "Buddy" Himmels of Windthorst, Texas, was the only living son among eleven children of Paul H. and Theresa Himmels. Though exempt from military service after his father's death, he chose to serve and was drafted into the United States Marines on January 21, 1951, at age 21. After training in San Diego, California, he was assigned on September 16, 1952, to the 1st Division U.S. Maine Company and, after being sent to Korea, became Squad Leader of Company G. On July 25, 1953, at age 22 and on his third time at the front line, he was killed in action in Korea, two days before the cease fire order was issued; his family learned of his death by telegram on July 31, 1953. A presidential citation accompanying his posthumous Bronze Star Medal praised his heroic achievement as Squad Leader of Company G, Third Battalion First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), during enemy attacks on a critical sector of the main line of resistance, where he led his squad in determined defense, moved through heavy fire to direct and encourage his men, and continued fighting in hand-to-hand combat after his squad was overrun until he and his entire unit were annihilated, delaying and disorganizing the attack so the company could reorganize and defend its left flank. Three months later, on October 5, 1953, his body arrived by train in Wichita Falls, Texas, accompanied by a U.S. Marine Guard en route for burial in St. Mary's cemetery in Windthorst. For his bravery and sacrifice, he posthumously received the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Gold Star Lapel button, and the Bronze Star Medal.