SPEECH OF HON. THOMAS E. PETRI OF WISCONSIN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2006
Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to honor a true American hero by awarding him the Medal of Honor. On January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge, Lt. James Megellas led his platoon of the 82nd Airborne Division on a surprise and devastating attack on a much larger advancing German force, killing and capturing a large number of the enemy and causing others to flee. In an act of fearless courage, Megellas single-handedly destroyed an attacking German Mark V tank with two hand-held grenades. He then led the charge of his men and seized Herresbach, Belgium, during this fierce action of the Battle of the Bulge. Due to his aggressive, fearless and superior leadership, Lt. James Megellas inspired his men to excel.
After serving 4 years as a rifle platoon leader during World War II, including many combat jumps into Italy and Holland, Megellas left the active Army and served for 16 years in the Army Reserve. He retired after 20 years of service as a lieutenant colonel.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Star Medals, two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, and he is credited with being the 82nd Airborne Division’s most decorated officer. During World War II, Gen. James Gavin selected one 82nd officer–Lt. James Megellas–to receive the Military Order of Willhelm Orange Lanyard from the Dutch Minister of War on behalf of his division.
To this day, James Megellas continues to inspire. In February, 61 years since that momentous battle, James “Maggie” Megellas set foot on a battlefield with fellow 82nd Airborne Division soldiers, this time in a current theatre of war–Afghanistan. Megellas was impressed with what he saw of the paratroopers and their work. He listened to their stories of their past year of deployment and shared with them his own experiences during World War II.
I urge my colleagues to also recognize James “Maggie” Megellas by supporting this bill to authorize and request the President to award him the Medal of Honor for his acts of valor on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge. As time goes by, true heroes should never be forgotten, so please join me in honoring this outstanding American hero.
END
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One Comment to “Lt. Col. James Megellas Medal of Honor Bill”
Dear Mr Megellas,
I read an article about you in the Sunday San Antonio Express. Thank you for your selfless act of service for our country.
My dad was in WWII and faught in the battle of Battle Of The Bulge as well. He didn’t talk much about it, I just remember him saying how cold it was…digging ditches in snow to try and stay warm…burning Cognac as fuel to stay warm. I think he was in Infantry..I also think he did refrigeration work. That’s really all the information I have. I hope I can find out more about him by going to the research forum. His name was H.E. (Harold Eugene) Smith from Texas. Again thank you! Sincerely, Nanette Allison
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One Comment to “Lt. Col. James Megellas Medal of Honor Bill”
Dear Mr Megellas,
I read an article about you in the Sunday San Antonio Express. Thank you for your selfless act of service for our country.
My dad was in WWII and faught in the battle of Battle Of The Bulge as well. He didn’t talk much about it, I just remember him saying how cold it was…digging ditches in snow to try and stay warm…burning Cognac as fuel to stay warm. I think he was in Infantry..I also think he did refrigeration work. That’s really all the information I have. I hope I can find out more about him by going to the research forum. His name was H.E. (Harold Eugene) Smith from Texas. Again thank you! Sincerely, Nanette Allison
By Nanette Allison on Aug 17, 2009 at 11:19 am