Jimmie W. Monteith
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| James Walters Monteith, Jr. | |
|---|---|
| July 1, 1917 - June 6, 1944 | |
 Jimmie W. Monteith, circa 1944 |
|
| Nickname | Jimmie |
| Place of birth | Low Moor, Virginia |
| Place of death | KIA in Normandy, France |
| Allegiance | U.S. Army |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit | 1st Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II * D-Day: Normandy |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
James Walters Monteith (July 1, 1917 – June 6, 1944) was a United States Army officer who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in World War II on D-Day landing in Normandy, France.
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[edit] Early years
Jimmie Monteith was born on July 1, 1917 in Low Moor, Virginia. He grew up in Richmond and was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1944 with a major in Mechanical Engineering. While at Virginia Tech Cadet Monteith played football.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944.
Citation:
| “ | For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. 1st Lt. Monteith landed with the initial assault waves on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire. Without regard to his own personal safety he continually moved up and down the beach reorganizing men for further assault. He then led the assault over a narrow protective ledge and across the flat, exposed terrain to the comparative safety of a cliff. Retracing his steps across the field to the beach, he moved over to where 2 tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machinegun fire. Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing positions. Under his direction several enemy positions were destroyed. He then rejoined his company and under his leadership his men captured an advantageous position on the hill. Supervising the defense of his newly won position against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued to ignore his own personal safety, repeatedly crossing the 200 or 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to strengthen links in his defensive chain. When the enemy succeeded in completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out of the situation, 1st Lt. Monteith was killed by enemy fire. The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by 1st Lt. Monteith is worthy of emulation. | ” |
[edit] Posthumous honors
[edit] Camp Monteith
Camp Monteith is a U.S. military base in Gnjilane, Kosovo.
[edit] Monteith Hall
Monteith Hall at Virginia Tech was built in 1949 and named after alumnus First Lieutenant Jimmie W. Monteith, Jr.
[edit] References
- This article incorporates text in the public domain from the United States Army.
- Clauson-Wicker, Su and Netta Smith, "Heroes and Heroines Set in Stone," Virginia Tech Magazine, Fall 1995.
- Balkoski, Joseph, Omaha Beach: D-Day, June 6, 1944, Stackpole Books, March 2004. (ISBN 0-8117-0079-8)
[edit] External links
- Medal of Honor recipient Jimmie W. Monteith, Jr., Home of Heroes profile.
- "Virginia Tech Medal of Honor Recipients", Virginia Tech Army ROTC website.
- 1Lt Jimmie W. Monteith, Medal of Honor citation, Army Museum, OCS Foundation.
