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. Officially recognised as the mostdecorated officer in the history of the us 82nd airborne division, james maggie megellas commanded a platoon in h company, 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment. 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. Among other honors, his heroic actions earned him two silver stars, two bronze stars, two purple hearts and the distinguished service cross. Receive exclusive sale offers and be the first to know about new products. The picture above is one of the most famous images in the long, proud history of the 82nd airborne division. Maggie as his fellow troopers called him was awarded. Department of defense requirement to respond to crisis contingencies anywhere in the world within 18 hours. If one wants to learn about the war in europe this is a most welcome. David rodriguez, 82nd airborne division commander, christmas day.
As a young airborne infantry officer, james maggie megellas singlehandedly destroyed a german tank during the battle of the bulge using only hand grenades. He is the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne. The atmosphere was cordial and one airborne veteran from the 82nd. Im the 82nd airborne, and this is as far as the bastards are going. 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.
Our 82nd airborne division army patch is a regulation, full color, embroidered military patch. Ltc megellas served as a platoon commander in h company, 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment pir, 82nd airborne division. 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. Hed be assigned as a platoon leader in company h, 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment pir. Apr 10, 2020 megellas was assigned to the newly redesignated 82nd airborne division, the first army airborne division. Following normandy, the 82nd became part of the newly organized xviii airborne corps, which consisted of the u.
Megellas is the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division. 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. Aug 28, 20 an 82nd airborne division paratrooper died sunday from injuries suffered during a motorcycle accident in florence, s. Were pausing tonight to mourn the loss but celebrate the life of wwii hero u. James maggie megellas of the 82nd airborne division participated in some of the greatest action of the european theater throughout. 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. James megellas of colleyville is the most decorated officer in the history of the prestigious 82nd airborne division. A paratrooper at war in europe audible audio edition. Our high quality 82nd airborne patches are professionally printed and perfect to sew onto backpacks, jackets and more to give them some unique personality.
Anyway i came across a letter from fort campbell, and the 101st patch that was sent is black. All members in good standing are free to post here. James megellas is the most decorated officer in the history of the armys famed 82nd airborne division. 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.
C assigned to the 1st battalion, 508th parachute infantry regiment, 4th brigade combat team, 82nd airborne division, fort bragg, n. 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. Moaa bills seek medal of honor for 102yearold world. 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. On june 6, 1944, mission boston was initiated by the u. About james megellas the james megellas foundation. He became the first american decorated by the government of the netherlands. I was just searching for something in my loft and came across a bundle of letters going back to 1984. Megellas died three weeks after celebrating his 103rd birthday. Aug 25, 20 the 82nd airborne divisions 1st brigade combat team is slated to host the inaugural towle megellas competition, aug.
Devil brigade to host inaugural towlemegellas competition. Ridgway was given command, but was not promoted to lieutenant general until 1945. Army lieutenant colonel james maggie megellas, the most decorated officer in the history of the u. Army, army national guard, army reserve units, and sold in the army post exchanges. 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. James maggie megellas 1917 2020 airpower foundation. Home military pendantscharms army pendants 82nd airborne.
The followup inaugural issue will be out in about six weeks with stories on glenn. 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 listing was printed in a small booklet titled 82nd airborne division hq sicilyitaly. The 82nd airbornes most decorated officer march 11, 2016 molly edwards week by week, speaker ryan greets many different wisconsinites as they visit the. The 82nd airbornes most decorated officer deltavan1. For bulk pricing please feel free to contact us directly. 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.
S2 intelligence section, 508th pir, 82nd airborne division all americans, talking with two francstireurs partisans in the village of saint marcouf, normandy, france. 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. Heres a list of the dsc recipients of the 504th pir in world war ii. Dvids news former soldiers visit salerno for holidays. In honor of jim maggie megellas the 82nd airbornes most. The 82nd airborne divisions 1st brigade combat team is slated to host the inaugural towle megellas competition, aug. The 101st patch on the right sleeve indicates that this was a former unit that he had served in combat with. 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. Megellas, a world war ii paratrooper, is the most decorated. 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. Wisconsin airborne reporter dedicated to honoring james maggie megellas, the most decorated officer in the 82nd airborne s proud history. James maggie megellas, one of the 82nd airborne divisions original devils in baggy pants, died april 2 at his home in colleyville, texas. Hed remain with this company for the rest of the war.
We thank tim gray media, americas preeminent wwii military videographer for this historical mas. The 82d airborne division was the first world war ii combat division to establish its own museum dedicated to the telling of its history. James maggie megellas, lieutenant 82nd airborne division, h co. 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. Dec 28, 2007 megellas, the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division, landed with maj. 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. It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of ltc james maggie megellas, u.
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. James maggie megellas, world war ii hero and moaa life. Megellas was impressed with what he saw of the paratroopers and their work. This issue is to bring you up to speed on a great wisconsin airborne warrior and the medal he so justly deserves. James megellas march 11, 1917 april 2, 2020 was a united states army officer. It is the 69th anniversary of its return to the bases in the vicinity of reims, france after fighting the winter war of 194445. During the war, megellas was passed over for the medal of honor and given the.
James maggie megellas requested a transfer to the paratroopers. Patches, pins, decals of the 82nd airborne division. 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. 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. 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. The atmosphere was cordial and one airborne veteran from the 82nd who watched the interview but declined to. Ahepa mourns hero and world war ii veteran james megellas. 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. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. 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. 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.
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. Crumpler died march 1, 2010 serving during operation enduring freedom 27, of hillsborough, n. In october 1943, after months of training, he joined the 504 parachute infantry regiment of the 82nd airborne division. Why a 101yearold world war ii hero says his is not the. Hero is still on his mission milwaukee journal sentinel. Apr 12, 2018 the 82nd airborne will induct 20 soldiers into its hall of fame. Product description this 4 by 2 82nd airborne with wings patch s quality is guaranteed. 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. 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. Joining artist simon smith every print has been personally signed by one of the great heroes of world war ii. 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.
Infantry regiment pir, 82nd airborne division during world war ii. It was one of the national army divisions of conscript soldiers. Bills seek medal of honor for 102yearold world war ii hero moaa. I would guess it was printed in germany during the occupation. 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. He is the mostdecorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division. 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. Here is the story behind it taken from the book all american, all the way by phil nor. Grothman urges medal of honor for world war ii hero, 101. James megellas with mike elliot, founder of avg all veteran group. James maggie megellas, 82 airborne division in wwii. I was about 14 at the time and i used to write to all the division hqs and associations for patches. He quickly rose to become h companys commander, distinguishing himself at the anzio beachhead in italy and the waal river in holland. For actions in battles from italy to the liberation of holland and the battle of the bulge.
Designed to recognize the best squad of paratroopers and. James maggie megellas, 82 airborne division in wwii full. I realize youve already listed a few, and thanks to brad ks mention of charles nau, i came up with the following list. 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. This patch would be a great gift idea and a wonderful addition to your patch collection. I originally posted this at the american catholic and i thought the world war ii mavens of almost chosen people would enjoy it. Warrant officer anisha phillips, 30, of new york, was a. 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. James megellas, born march 11, 1917, is a retired u. Maggie was the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division, and a true hero. Ltc james megellas, usa ret is the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne division. Oct, 20 black backed 101st airborne patch posted in army and usaaf. 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.
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. 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. This book is well written and is very detailed with regards to life for the 82nd airborne. 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. 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. The 82nd airborne division returns to reims, france february. He is the mostdecorated officer in the history of the 82nd airborne.
A stirring documentary on jim maggie megellas and his h. This oral history was recorded as a companion to century of service. Born on march 11, 1917, in fond du lac, megellas became the most decorated officer of the 82nd airborne. Looking for a 82nd airborne division patch with jump wings. After his service in wwii, he went on to work with president kennedy as his. Medal of honor sought for world war ii hero from fond du lac. 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. Shop top fashion brands accessories at free delivery and returns possible on eligible purchases.
The 82nd airborne will induct 20 soldiers into its hall of. Why a 101yearold world war ii hero says his is not the greatest. His recommendation for succession as commander was brigadier general james m. James maggie megellas, h company, 3rd battalion, 504th parachute infantry regiment, 82nd airborne division is a veteran of the. The james megellas foundation dropping in to change the. 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. James maggie megellas, one of the 82nd airborne division s original devils in baggy pants, died april 2 at his home in colleyville, texas. 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. Four years later, he was one of the most decorated officers in the 82nd airborne division and was discharged from the. 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. Uncle david was mia in the netherlands 28 september 194.
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