Washington – Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), with cosponsors Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 to award Fond du Lac, Wis., native James “Maggie” Megellas the Medal of Honor. The amendment, #1613, strongly urges the president to award Megellas with the United States’ highest military honor for his courageous actions in the Battle of the Bulge.

United States Army records recount that 1st Lt. Megellas led his outnumbered platoon in a successful attack on enemy forces near Herresbach, Belgium, on Jan. 28, 1945. Fellow soldiers in the battle testified that Megellas single-handedly attacked and destroyed a German Mark V Panther tank with two grenades and a submachine gun. Megellas’ citation also noted his platoon did not suffer a casualty during this battle, a remarkable feat.

“Mr. Megellas’ valor during the Battle of the Bulge was above and beyond the call of duty. Our country will always be grateful for the extraordinary heroism he displayed under fire,” said Senator Johnson.

“James Megellas' service and heroic actions during the Battle of the Bulge remind us of the American values that hold us together as a community and define us as one nation united,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to introduce an amendment to authorize awarding this Wisconsin veteran the Medal of Honor and recognize the deep sense of honor and devotion to his fellow soldiers that he so bravely displayed on the battlefield.”

Megellas received the Silver Star for his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge. He was born and raised in Fond du Lac and graduated from Ripon College. Megellas currently lives in Colleyville, Texas.

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