Lt. Col. James Megellas display at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison on Monday, September 16, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Among the troves of American military stories inside the Wisconsin Veterans Museum now sits a permanent home for a war hero from Fond du Lac.
A jump jacket uniform worn by Lt. Col. James Megellas, along with some photos, help tell the story of World War II and those who put their country before themselves.
Megellas’ sons say it’s special to have their father’s military items permanently on display in Wisconsin.
“After he passed, we really felt like it belonged here, because he was Wisconsin through and through. His entire life he said ‘I am a son of Wisconsin,'” said Stephen Megellas.
“Coming to this museum was kind of bringing his things back home, full circle,” said James Megellas.
Lt. Col. James Megellas, better known as Maggie, was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. He’s considered the most decorated officer in the 82nd Airborne. His bravery earned him more than 25 medals, including two Purple Hearts and two Silver Stars.
Megellas wrote a book on his own experiences called “All the Way to Berlin.” In 2016, the Fond du Lac Post Office was named after him.
Medals and many other artifacts from Megellas are not yet on display, but the museum says that will change in the future.
“I wanted to put something out that we could use as a focal point for school groups and for the public, but not necessarily have to show the entire collection all in one go,” said Wisconsin Veterans Museum Curator of History Kevin Hampton.
Megellas died in 2020 at the age of 103. Hampton talked with Megellas often before his death.
One story he will always remember is Megellas recalling when he helped liberate a German concentration camp.
“He did not truly understand the depth of what they were fighting for, until you saw the depravity, the destruction, the absolute inhumanity of that concentration camp. And he said from that moment on, we knew that as Americans, we needed to stand for something better,” said Hampton.
Megellas’ children say their father took great honor in serving his country, even after his time in the 82nd Airborne — including trips to the Middle East to visit with division troops.
“He always joked, because my mom was concerned about him going, that in his 90s, he was okay if he died with his boots on. But even in his 90s, he was still trying to represent his country, represent the 82nd Airborne and represent Wisconsin,” said Stephen Megellas.
They’re glad their father’s story is available for all to see and learn about the role he played in world history.
The Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison is free to the public.
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