In the Summer of 1943, at the age of 17, James. D “Jim” Tanos decided to enlist to fight for his country abroad in WWII. His skills as a sharp-shooter were exceptional, which elevated him to Sniper for his regiment in the mountains of Italy and Germany. He was very quickly promoted to serving as the leader of his platoon, guiding his men through unthinkable challenges and deadly battles. He lived in the mountains of Italy and survived in the harshest of conditions for two years until victory was declared in May 1945. Jim was honorably discharged, coming through Ellis Island on December 25, and making his way home to Philadelphia on Christmas Day.

Tanos was a highly decorated soldier, awarded numerous commendations and medals, including three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, the Oak Leaf Cluster, Rifle Expert Pin, Distinguished Unit Pin, the Victory Medal, three Combat Campaign Stars, and a Presidential Citation. He was a Platoon Leader of Company C 142nd Infantry Regiment PFC and a sniper.

Once back home, Tanos was a founding member of the only Greek-American VFW chapter in the United States to this day, Eleftheria Post 6633, inspired by the Greek word for Freedom/Liberty. He applied to The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania as a veteran on the G.I. Bill.