Our 82nd airborne division army patch is a regulation, full color, embroidered military patch. Uncle david was mia in the netherlands 28 september 194. Grothman urges medal of honor for world war ii hero, 101. This issue is to bring you up to speed on a great wisconsin airborne warrior and the medal he so justly deserves. Joining artist simon smith every print has been personally signed by one of the great heroes of world war ii. Already known as the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division, megellas has received the distinguished service cross, two silver stars, two bronze stars, and two purple hearts. 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 warafghanistan. The picture above is one of the most famous images in the long, proud history of the 82nd airborne division. Anyway i came across a letter from fort campbell, and the 101st patch that was sent is black. The atmosphere was cordial and one airborne veteran from the 82nd. James megellas, the most decorated soldier in the history of the 82nd airborne division, signs his book all the way to berlin for chad weisensel. Dec 28, 2007 megellas, the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division, landed with maj. Megellas is the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division.
C assigned to the 1st battalion, 508th parachute infantry regiment, 4th brigade combat team, 82nd airborne division, fort bragg, n. He is the mostdecorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne. The followup inaugural issue will be out in about six weeks with stories on glenn. Looking for a 82nd airborne division patch with jump wings. James megellas with mike elliot, founder of avg all veteran group. Im the 82nd airborne, and this is as far as the bastards are going. I originally posted this at the american catholic and i thought the world war ii mavens of almost chosen people would enjoy it. The 101st patch on the right sleeve indicates that this was a former unit that he had served in combat with. We thank tim gray media, americas preeminent wwii military videographer for this historical mas. This page is a collection of photos and memories of the 1st battalion 505th infantry 3rd brigade 82nd airborne division in vietnam created by the. On the left sleeve is an 82nd airborne division patch and on the right sleeve is a 101st airborne division patch and the belgian fourragere. The 82nd airbornes most decorated officer deltavan1. Devil brigade to host inaugural towlemegellas competition. James megellas, one hundred and three and still kicking, the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne, reminds us that in a tight spot the blessed virgin is our best friend.
In 1945 megellas himself was selected by general james gavin to receive the military order of william on behalf of the 82nd airborne division from the dutch minister of war in 1945. The 82nd division was activated at camp gordon, georgia, on 25 august 1917. We just found out that after 73 years of being missing in action, the army has identified the remains of my uncle, ssgt david rosie rosenkrantz, 82d airborne, 504 parachute infantry regiment, h company. James maggie megellas, a world war ii army officer who became a legend after he singlehandedly wiped out a german tank with grenades during the battle of the bulge, has died. The 82nd airborne division returns to reims, france february 21, 1945 today is the anniversary of an inconspicuous, yet in many ways historic event in the annals of the 82nd airborne division. Among other honors, his heroic actions earned him two silver stars, two bronze stars, two purple hearts and the distinguished service cross.
James maggie megellas, h company, 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment, 82nd airborne division is a veteran of the battle of the bulge, a crucial fight on the western front. This is an intense story by james megellas, a paratrooper in the storied 82nd airborne, 504 parachute infantry, about he and his brother paratroopers in world war ii. As a young airborne infantry officer, james maggie megellas singlehandedly destroyed a german tank during the battle of the bulge using only hand grenades. Army, army national guard, army reserve units, and sold in the army post exchanges. Maggie was the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division, and a true hero. James maggie megellas 1917 2020 airpower foundation. James maggie megellas, 82 airborne division in wwii. James maggie megellas, h company, 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment, 82nd airborne division is a veteran of the. Four years later, he was one of the most decorated officers in the 82nd airborne division and was discharged from the. He quickly rose to become h companys commander, distinguishing himself at the anzio beachhead in italy and the waal river in holland. Ltc megellas served as a platoon commander in h company, 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment pir, 82nd airborne division. A bridge too far is a 1977 epic war film based on the 1974 book of the same name, directed by richard attenborough and with a screenplay by william goldman.
James megellas, born march 11, 1917, is a retired u. C died march 1 in bala murghab, afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small. S2 intelligence section, 508th pir, 82nd airborne division all americans, talking with two francstireurs partisans in the village of saint marcouf, normandy, france. James maggie magellas was born and raised in fond du lac, wisconsin and graduated from ripon college in 1942, also accepting a commission as a 2nd. Apr 12, 2018 the 82nd airborne will induct 20 soldiers into its hall of fame.
His recommendation for succession as commander was brigadier general james m. First lieutenant james megellas, infantry, 82nd airborne division, united states army. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of ltc james maggie megellas, u.
I realize youve already listed a few, and thanks to brad ks mention of charles nau, i came up with the following list. The james megellas foundation dropping in to change the. Black backed 101st airborne patch army and usaaf u. During the war, megellas was passed over for the medal of honor and given the. He is the mostdecorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division. He became the first american decorated by the government of the netherlands. Crumpler died march 1, 2010 serving during operation enduring freedom 27, of hillsborough, n. Ltc james megellas, usa ret is the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division. Bills seek medal of honor for 102yearold world war ii hero moaa.
He commanded a platoon in company h of the 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment pir, 82nd airborne division during world war ii megellas was the mostdecorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division, having received a distinguished service cross, a silver star, and been. James maggie megellas, h company, 3rd battalion, 506th parachute infantry regiment, 82nd airborne division is a veteran of the battle of the bulge, a crucial fight on. Born on march 11, 1917, in fond du lac, megellas became the most decorated officer of the 82nd airborne. For bulk pricing please feel free to contact us directly. It is the 69th anniversary of its return to the bases in the vicinity of reims, france after fighting the winter war of 194445. The 82nd airborne will induct 20 soldiers into its hall of. It was one of the national army divisions of conscript soldiers. James maggie megellas, lieutenant 82nd airborne division, h co. He is the mostdecorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division, having received a distinguished service cross, a silver star, and been nominated for.
James maggie megellas requested a transfer to the paratroopers. I was just searching for something in my loft and came across a bundle of letters going back to 1984. In october 1943, after months of training, he joined the 504 parachute infantry regiment of the 82nd airborne division. Following normandy, the 82nd became part of the newly organized xviii airborne corps, which consisted of the u. Were pausing tonight to mourn the loss but celebrate the life of wwii hero u. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as a platoon leader, company h, 504th parachute infantry regiment, on 30 september 1944, in holland. Moaa bills seek medal of honor for 102yearold world. Army lieutenant colonel james maggie megellas, the most decorated officer in the history of the u. Army officer who commanded a platoon in company h of the 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment pir, 82nd airborne division during world war ii.
I would guess it was printed in germany during the occupation. A paratrooper at war in europe audible audio edition. This book is well written and is very detailed with regards to life for the 82nd airborne. James megellas of colleyville is the most decorated officer in the history of the prestigious 82nd airborne division. Wisconsin airborne reporter dedicated to honoring james maggie megellas, the most decorated officer in the 82nd airborne s proud history. Patches, pins, decals of the 82nd airborne division. They fought in italy, holland, germany, they landed on the beaches of anzio, jumped into holland as part of operation market garden, fought in the battle of the bulge and on to. Aug 28, 20 an 82nd airborne division paratrooper died sunday from injuries suffered during a motorcycle accident in florence, s. Infantry regiment pir, 82nd airborne division during world war ii. A stirring documentary on jim maggie megellas and his h504 pir platoon of the most aggressive and heroic wwii division, the 82nd airborne divisions all americans. Ridgway was given command, but was not promoted to lieutenant general until 1945. Product description this 4 by 2 82nd airborne with wings patch s quality is guaranteed. Four years later, he was one of the most decorated officers in the 82nd airborne division and was discharged from the army with the rank of captain. I was about 14 at the time and i used to write to all the division hqs and associations for patches.
Levine, it was the second film based on a book by historian cornelius ryan to be adapted for the screen after 1962s the longest day and the second based on the events of world war iis failed. If one wants to learn about the war in europe this is a most welcome. Why a 101yearold world war ii hero says his is not the. James megellas march 11, 1917 april 2, 2020 was a united states army officer who commanded a platoon in company h of the 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment pir, 82nd airborne division during world war ii. About james megellas the james megellas foundation. Shop top fashion brands accessories at free delivery and returns possible on eligible purchases. James maggie megellas, 82 airborne division in wwii full. James megellas had led two undersized platoons into a firefight with a german infantry battalion in world war ii when a nazi tank appeared, scattering his men. James megellas or maggie is known for being a world war ii hero and having the most awards in the history of the us armys 82nd airborne division. The foundation is named after retired united states army officer james megellas, who is the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division. All members in good standing are free to post here. Megellas, a life member of moaa and retired army lieutenant colonel, is known as the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne. The atmosphere was cordial and one airborne veteran from the 82nd who watched the interview but declined to. Oct, 20 black backed 101st airborne patch posted in army and usaaf.
A stirring documentary on jim maggie megellas and his h. Department of defense requirement to respond to crisis contingencies anywhere in the world within 18 hours. Designed to recognize the best squad of paratroopers and. The 82nd airborne division is an airborne infantry division of the united states army, specializing in parachute assault operations into denied areas with a u.
James gavin to serve as the representative of the 82nd airborne division to receive the military order of willhelm orange lanyard from the dutch minister of war during world war ii. Hed remain with this company for the rest of the war. James maggie megellas, son of greek immigrant parents who settled in wisconsin, began his world war ii career as a platoon leader in h company, 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment. For actions in battles from italy to the liberation of holland and the battle of the bulge. Here is the story behind it taken from the book all american, all the way by phil nor. James megellas is the most decorated officer in the history of the armys famed 82nd airborne division. On june 6, 1944, mission boston was initiated by the u. Hes the highest decorated officer of the 82nd airborne during world war ii, earning two silver stars, two bronze stars, the distinguished service cross and two purple hearts. The 82nd airbornes most decorated officer march 11, 2016 molly edwards week by week, speaker ryan greets many different wisconsinites as they visit the. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. James maggie megellas, world war ii hero and moaa life.
The 504th infantry regiment, originally the 504th parachute infantry regiment 504th pir, is an airborne forces regiment of the united states army, part of the 82nd airborne division, with a long and distinguished history. This patch would be a great gift idea and a wonderful addition to your patch collection. Dvids news former soldiers visit salerno for holidays. Heres a list of the dsc recipients of the 504th pir in world war ii. Medal of honor sought for world war ii hero from fond du lac. Armys 82nd airborne division announced megellas passed thursday, in his sleep, at his home in collyville, texas. Receive exclusive sale offers and be the first to know about new products.
Hed be assigned as a platoon leader in company h, 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment pir. James megellas born march 11, 1917 is a retired united states army officer who commanded a platoon in company h of the 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment pir, 82nd airborne division during world war ii. The 82nd airborne divisions 1st brigade combat team is slated to host the inaugural towle megellas competition, aug. Reflagged as the 82nd airborne division at the onset of world war ii, this activeduty airborne infantry division is stationed at fort bragg, north carolina, and trains for airborne assault operations into. Megellas was impressed with what he saw of the paratroopers and their work. Apr 10, 2020 megellas was assigned to the newly redesignated 82nd airborne division, the first army airborne division. David rodriguez, 82nd airborne division commander, christmas day. Aug 25, 20 the 82nd airborne divisions 1st brigade combat team is slated to host the inaugural towle megellas competition, aug. Home military pendantscharms army pendants 82nd airborne. Megellas, a world war ii paratrooper, is the most decorated. Hero is still on his mission milwaukee journal sentinel.
Looking for the opportunity to face the germans head on, james maggie megellas requested a transfer to the paratroopers during wwii, where he would go on to face heavy fighting across europeincluding while crossing the waal river and at the battle of the bulge. The 82d airborne division was the first world war ii combat division to establish its own museum dedicated to the telling of its history. Maggie as his fellow troopers called him was awarded. James megellas march 11, 1917 april 2, 2020 was a united states army officer. James maggie megellas, one of the 82nd airborne divisions original devils in baggy pants, died april 2 at his home in colleyville, texas. Ahepa mourns hero and world war ii veteran james megellas.
He took part in some of the most famous battles of the second world war and is one of the most highly decorated members of the 82nd airborne division. Hi friends, i am looking for a listing of all the 82nd airborne division members that had received the distinguished service cross dsc in the ww2. The 82nd airborne division returns to reims, france february. In honor of jim maggie megellas the 82nd airbornes most. James maggie megellas of the 82nd airborne division participated in some of the greatest action of the european theater throughout. Warrant officer anisha phillips, 30, of new york, was a.
The listing was printed in a small booklet titled 82nd airborne division hq sicilyitaly. He is the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne. These were followed by the normandy assaults the following year and the market garden operation for a total of 4 airborne assaults in the war. James maggie megellas, one of the 82nd airborne division s original devils in baggy pants, died april 2 at his home in colleyville, texas. Why a 101yearold world war ii hero says his is not the greatest. Our high quality 82nd airborne patches are professionally printed and perfect to sew onto backpacks, jackets and more to give them some unique personality. His strength and demeanor in times of trial inspired the foundation board to face challenges with that same determination to success, naming the foundation after him. Megellas served with the armys 82nd airborne during world war ii, and is recognized as the most decorated officer in the history of the division.
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