Lt. Col. James Megellas, a World War II hero from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, now has a permanent display at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, celebrating his military legacy.
Megellas, known as Maggie, served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and is considered its most decorated officer. His bravery in battle earned him over 25 medals, including two Purple Hearts and two Silver Stars.
The exhibit features his jump jacket and photos, with additional artifacts from his career expected to be displayed in the future. Megellas’ sons, Stephen and James, expressed pride in their father’s accomplishments, noting that he considered himself a true son of Wisconsin.
In his lifetime, Megellas authored the book All the Way to Berlin and was honored when the Fond du Lac Post Office was named after him in 2016.
His profound experiences during the war, including helping to liberate a German concentration camp, left a lasting impact on his understanding of America’s role in the world.
He passed away in 2020 at the age of 103, continuing to represent his country and the 82nd Airborne even in his 90s.
The museum’s exhibit serves as a reminder of his service and the sacrifices of all those who fought for freedom.