Hermann was the only survivor of an attack on his Mekong River patrol boat, when he was 18. When he got out of the military Hermann was looking for work and that’s when he became involved with rodeo. “When I came home, I couldn’t sleep, but after two days of hauling cattle all over with no sleep, I could lay down and get some sleep,” Hermann said. Rick Smith, a five-time NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider – 1980-82, 1984 and 1986 – was also proud to have Hermann as a lifelong friend. Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dick Hermann, who also was a former PRCA saddle bronc rider and pickup man, passed away July 9 in Cave Creek, Ariz.