[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF LT. COL. JAMES MEGELLAS MEDAL OF HONOR BILL

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                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 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 singlehandedly 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.
  Today, at 89 years old, James Megellas is currently in the 
Netherlands, to be decorated by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix in a surprise 
ceremony to once again receive the Military Order of Willhelm Orange 
Lanyard for outstanding service.
  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.

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