Reuel Long was raised in Eden Prairie and joined the war effort during World War II after being sent to Europe.

On Nov. 10, 1944, he became a rifleman replacement as a member of the Company E., 2nd Battalion, 357th Regiment of the 90th Infantry Division, which had moved across the Mosel River at Cattenom, France.

He earned the Bronze Star Medal for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge near Saar River. Reuel became a prisoner of war after being captured by the Germans and was one of few prisoners to escape successfully.

Long was honored in Eden Prairie at the memorial on Veterans Day in 2007.