Press Releases

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) released the following statement in regarding the passage of legislation to designate the U.S. Post Office located in Fond du Lac as the “Lieutenant Colonel James ‘Maggie’ Megellas Post Office.”

“I was honored to author this legislation on behalf of “Maggie” Megellas.  Mr. Megellas was born in Fond du Lac and lived there until he attended Ripon College. He had many notable battle experiences, including one at the Battle of the Bulge in January of 1945.  There he singlehandedly destroyed a German Mark V Panther tank and led his platoon, all without a single American casualty.  For this reason, Mr. Megellas is acknowledged as one of the most decorated officers in the 82^nd Airborne Division.

“I am pleased to see Congress honor this true American hero for his dauntless courage and self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. This son of Fond Du Lac served his country with distinction and should be held up as a representation of the greatness of average Americans when called upon to defend their country.”

Megellas’ awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, and Presidential Citation with Cluster, the Belgium Fouragere, six campaign stars, and Master Parachutist Badge. He was selected by General James Gavin, the commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division, to receive the Military Order of Wilhelm Orange Lanyard from the Dutch Minister of War in Berlin in 1945. Megellas is the first American to be honored with the award by the government of Holland. Megellas now lives in Colleyville, TX, with his wife.

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his first term representing Wisconsin’s 6^th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Contact his Washington, D.C., office at (202) 225-2476, or online at grothman.house.gov.

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