26 Facts About James Megellas

James Megellas was a United States Army lieutenant colonel.

James Megellas received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism and three other decorations for valor.

James Megellas participated in the school's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program and, upon graduation in May 1942, received a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Army.

James Megellas was originally assigned to the Signal Corps, but grew tired of the required additional schooling and volunteered to become a paratrooper in order to see combat.

James Megellas was assigned to H Company, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.

James Megellas first experienced combat in the mountains outside Naples, Italy, near Venafro, where he was wounded and hospitalized.

James Megellas took part in the crossing of the Waal River near Nijmegen, where the American forces crossed the river in flimsy boats while under heavy machine gun fire.

On January 28,1945, James Megellas' platoon was advancing towards Herresbach, Belgium.

James Megellas ran towards it, and disabled it with a single grenade.

James Megellas then led his men as they cleared and seized the town, and not one of his men was killed or injured.

James Megellas was already highly decorated at the end of World War II when General James Gavin, the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, selected him to be the representative when the Netherlands wished to bestow their nation's highest honor, the Orange Lanyard of the Military Order of William, as a unit award for the valiant efforts of the entire division in their liberation during Operation Market Garden.

In 1946, James Megellas left the active Army with the rank of captain and served for a further 16 years in the Army Reserve.

James Megellas wrote a memoir of his wartime experiences entitled All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe.

James Megellas made an unsuccessful run as a Democrat against William Van Pelt to represent Wisconsin's 6th District in 1958 and 1960, and he served on the Fond du Lac city council until 1961.

In May 1962, James Megellas married the love of his life, former Miss Ripon 1960, Carole Margaret Laehn of Fond du Lac, an accomplished pianist who was a contestant in the 1960 Miss Wisconsin pageant in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

James Megellas was portrayed by John Ratzenberger in the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far.

James Megellas turned 100 in March 2017 and died on April 2,2020, in Colleyville, Texas, just 22 days after his 103rd birthday.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9,1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James Megellas, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 28 January 1945, near Herresbach, Belgium.

James Megellas then reorganized his platoon, and with the two supporting tanks followed the enemy into the town.

James Megellas brought forward his patrol, attacked the main enemy defenses and single-handed secured three prisoners and killed two more.

James Megellas's mission completed, First Lieutenant Megellas withdrew his platoon through the enemy lines and under mortar fire.

James Megellas personally carried a wounded man while firing his Thompson Sub-Machine Gun with one hand.

The extraordinary heroism and brilliant leadership displayed by First Lieutenant James Megellas enabled his patrol to inflict disproportionate casualties on the enemy, secure vital information and force the Germans to abandon their planned offensive in the area.

James Megellas's conduct was an inspiration to his men and his extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

Lieutenant James Megellas opened fire upon its crew, killing all eight.

Lieutenant James Megellas fearlessly picked up the wounded man and led his small force to cover, reformed it and led them to seize the objective.