James Megellas

United States Army Officer

James Megellas (March 11, 1917 – April 2, 2020)[1] was a United States Army officer. He commanded a platoon in Company "H" of the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division during World War II.

James Megellas
James Megellas in 2009
NicknameMaggie
Born(1917-03-11)March 11, 1917
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedApril 2, 2020(2020-04-02) (aged 103)
Colleyville, Texas, U.S.
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Lieutenant colonel
UnitCompany "H", 3rd Battalion,
504th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
82nd Airborne Division
Battles/warsWorld War II
 • Operation Shingle
 • Operation Market Garden
 • Battle of the Bulge
Awards Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star (2)
Bronze Star (2)
Purple Heart (2)

Megellas was "the most-decorated officer in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division," having received a Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and been nominated for the Medal of Honor.[2][3]

Megellas died on April 2, 2020 in Colleyville, Texas at the age of 103.[4]

References

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  1. TracesOfWar.com
  2. Connaher, Justin (May 24, 2009). "A MAN OF PRECIOUS METTLE". The Reporter. Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Retrieved 2009-05-26. [dead link]
  3. Young, Michael E. (December 12, 2007). "War hero offers words of encouragement to troops". The Dallas Morning News. Dallas, Texas. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved 2009-05-26.
  4. Razner, Sarah; Roznik, Sharon (3 April 2020). "Farewell to Fond du Lac's finest: James "Maggie" Megellas dies at the age of 103". The Reporter. Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Retrieved 3 April 2020.

Other websites

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