Expertise:
Mr. Zimmer's expertise is in sales.
Major Product/SVS:
Corn, Soybean, Canola Seeds
Hobbies/Sports:
Sharing Stories of his War Days, World War II History
Education Degrees:
Coursework, Purdue University
Affiliations Awards:
The Screaming Eagle, 101st Airborne Division Association; Decatur Masonic Temple Association; National Future Farmers of America Organization
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of his career was receiving awards during World War II.
Charity:
Local Charitable Organizations
Number Of Years In Profession:
55
Number Of Years In Current Position:
54
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his hard work and experience.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Zimmer entered the army in March of 1942. He was sent to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana as part of the 82nd infantry division, under the command of General Omar Bradley. The 82nd infantry became the 'first' airborne division the United States had, so the members became the 82nd airborne and 101st airborne, Screaming Eagle Division. He was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina for airborne training, then overseas to England in 1943 for final training for the European invasion of Normandy, France, D-Day, June 6, 1944. He participated in every major battle and campaign the 101st Screaming Eagle Division fought. He was at the Battle of the Bulge and Bastogne Battle where he was encircled for three weeks, cut off from all United States troops. He also fought at the Alsace-Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe battles as well as the battle that was fought against Southern Germany at Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest Castle, the mountain top retreat in Berchtesgaden. He was also a part of the Battle for the liberation of Holland. The campaign ended on May 8, 1945, ending World War II. He believes that God protected him through the battles to bring him safely home and vowed to tell his story so that no one would forget the oppression of people and would continue to fight for freedom. Mr. Zimmer was featured in an article of the National Farm Magazine in 2005. He was interviewed about his agricultural firm, which at the age of 85, he was still running. He also spoke about some of his wartime experiences. He was featured in an issue of 'Senior Living,' in which he spoke about his wartime experiences and encounters at great lengths. In 1977, he was featured in an article of 'The Agri-Scene' and was commended for his business' outstanding services. At home, he was known for selling seed corn for 53 straight years. Mr. Zimmer has lectured to over 20 high school classes in the last 20 years.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Managing Sales, Public Relations and Orders, Contacting Customers
Awards/Honors:
Corporate Recognition Award for 53 Years of Outstanding Sales, DeKalb Seed Industry (2008); 'Chevalier' of the Legion of Honor, Decree of the President of the French Republic (2007); Knight of the Legion of Honor, Decree of the President of the French Republic (1963); The Bronze Star Medal; Victory Medal; European Campaign Medals; Bronze Service Star (Four Times); Glider Badge; Anti-Tank Destroyer Expert Badge; Netherlands Orange Lanyard; Belgium Fourragere; President's Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem; Plaque for 53 Years of Continuous Sales, DeKalb