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While attending college James "Maggie" Megellas participated in the school's ROTC program. Upon graduation in May 1942, received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
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. He was assigned to H Company, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.
Megellas would go on to see some of the war's most fierce fighting and serve with incredible distinction and bravery. He fought in Italy - at Naples, then in the invasion at Anzio, and was wounded both times. The 504th badly depleted at Anzio, they were held back from the D-Day jump into Normandy, re-joining the European war at Operation Market Garden. In Holland, he attacked a German observation post and machine gun nest - actions that would earn him the Distinguished Service Cross.
On December 20, 1944, in the early days of the Battle of the Bulge, Megellas led the defeat of an enemy position and the rescue of one of his men, earning the Silver Star, an award he would receive once more after leading his platoon in an attack on 200 German soldiers, then personally disabling a German Mark V tank. To this day, the effort remains to see Maggie's award for that action upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
In January, 1946, James Megellas led his rifle company down 5th Avenue in New York City's Victory Parade. He is considered to be one of the most decorated combat officers in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division.
James "Maggie" Megellas passed away on April 2, 2020, just 22 days after his 103rd birthday.
Interview recorded on November 7, 2014
We are proud to have American Military University (AMU) sponsor this video. Learn more about AMU and their programs here: AMUonline.com/AVC
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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos