General Oppenheimer was the son of Doris Jones Stein, and the stepson of Dr. Jules Stein, founder of Music Corporation of America (MCA).
He was born in Kansas City, MO, and attended Harvard University, where he studied anthropology. His service in the United States Marie Corps spanned three major conflicts: World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. He reached the level of Brigadier General.
When not in military uniform, Oppenheimer was a large figure in the American agricultural and financial sectors. He founded and served as the chairman of Oppenheimer Industries, Inc., a major cattle and land management conglomerate based out of Kansas City, Missouri. He became a leading expert on large-scale cattle investments, ranch management and agriculture tax law.
He was also a published author. He wrote textbooks and guides on farming and ranching, including Cowboy Arithmetic and Cowboy Economics. He also documented his military experiences in his book March to the Sound of the Drums.
When you view his uniform in the JWV Post 605 museum cases in the lobby of the Jewish Community Center, you will find his full-size military dress uniform, including his medals. These include:
Top Row
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal
- Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon/Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- American Campaign Medal
Bottom Row
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- Additional unit awards
Because of his surname, he is sometimes confused with his contemporary, theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. However, there is no relation as General Oppenheimer carved out his own unique dual legacy in both military combat and American agriculture.
General Oppenheimer died October 27, 1985, in La Jolla, California, and is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.
