During World War II, he was a rifle company platoon leader and is considered to be one of the most decorated combat officers in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division.

[2] Megellas was originally assigned to the Signal Corps, but grew tired of the required additional schooling and volunteered to become a paratrooper in order to see combat.

In October 1943, while the remainder of the 82nd Airborne departed Italy to recoup before the invasion of Normandy, the 504th PIR remained behind and took part in Operation Shingle.

[2] On December 20, for defeating the enemy at the base of a hill and rescuing one of his wounded men near Cheneux, Belgium, Megellas was awarded the Silver Star.

Although he was recommended for the Medal of Honor shortly afterward, he received the Silver Star (the German tank incident was not mentioned in his award citation).

[1][3] He was already highly decorated at the end of World War II when General James Gavin, the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, selected him to be the representative when the Netherlands wished to bestow their nation’s highest honor, the Orange Lanyard of the Military Order of William, as a unit award for the valiant efforts of the entire division in their liberation during Operation Market Garden.

Later in life, Maggie reflected, “I was not prepared mentally to deal with the horror of the camp… it was not until our men witnessed this that we fully realized what we had been fighting for.

Megellas made an unsuccessful run as a Democrat against William Van Pelt to represent Wisconsin's 6th District in 1958 and 1960,[10][11] and he served on the Fond du Lac city council until 1961.

[14][15] Megellas' military decorations and awards include the following: On May 21, 2013, Congressman Tom Petri of Wisconsin introduced H.R.2082 in the United States House of Representatives to request the President award the Medal of Honor (to upgrade his Silver Star to the MOH) to Megellas for his 'above and beyond' heroism on January 28, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge.

First Lieutenant Megellas' direction and leadership of his men was so superb that within ten minutes the entire force of enemy was either killed, captured, or fled into the town.

First Lieutenant Megellas demonstrated a remarkable degree of tactical skill and a brand of courageous leadership which reflects highly upon himself and the Airborne Forces.

[18] Distinguished Service Cross World War II Service: United States Army Rank: First Lieutenant (Infantry) Batallion: 3d Battalion Regiment: 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment Division: 82d Airborne Division Action Date: September 30, 1944 Headquarters, XVI Corps, General Orders No.

69 (August 24, 1945) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Megellas (ASN: 0-439607), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company H, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in action against enemy forces on 30 September 1944, in Holland.

Arriving at the enemy observation post, he crawled forward alone and killed two outpost guards and the crew of a machine gun nest.

The extraordinary heroism and brilliant leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Megellas enabled his patrol to inflict disproportionate casualties on the enemy, secure vital information and force the Germans to abandon their planned offensive in the area.

68 (May 16, 1945) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Megellas (ASN: 0-439607), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 December 1944, near ******, Belgium.

Reaching a small patch of woods, Lieutenant Megellas sighted a large force of enemy armor and infantry.