Treadwell, Jack LeMaster

Date of birth:: March 31st, 1919 (Ashland/Alabama, United States)
Date of death:: December 12th, 1977
Buried on:: Fort Sill Post Cemetery
Plot: XII. Grave: 8.
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 2nd Lieutenant
Unit:: Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: July 25th, 1944

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 24 May 1944, near Carano, Italy. When an attack by a superior enemy force threatened the security of his company position, Lieutenant Treadwell, weapons platoon leader of a rifle company, promptly brought the fire of his weapons platoon to bear on the enemy. Small groups of enemy under cover of artillery and mortar fire had advanced to within fifty yards of the company position and were beginning to infiltrate through the lines. Lieutenant Treadwell, knowing that two of the rifle platoons were without officers, quickly reorganized them to meet each new thrust of the enemy. Working under heavy fire, Lieutenant Treadwell excellent leadership as he moved from squad to squad over a 400 yard front, controlling the defense of the positions. While directing friendly artillery and mortar fire during this engagement Lieutenant Treadwell adjusted fire on the enemy positions extremely close to his observation post. Closing with the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat, Lieutenant Treadwell inspired his men to a vicious and successful defense of their positions."

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: September 24th, 1944

"For meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services during the period 24 May 1943 to 30 March 1945."

Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 262

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 1st Lieutenant
Unit:: Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: May 30th, 1945

"For gallantry in action against the enemy on 4 January 1945, near Wimmenan, France. A numerically superior enemy force in well-entrenched defensive positions, directed intense machine gun and rifle fire at Captain Treadwell's attacking company and stopped the advance. Moving through the heavy fire to the platoon which was bearing the brunt of the enemy pressure, Captain Treadwell found the platoon leader wounded and the platoon itself disorganized. Acting quickly to meet the situation, he regrouped the squads, called for close mortar and tank support, maneuvered his other platoons into positions, and then led his men in an aggressive assault up the enemy-held hill. Captain Treadwell so inspired his platoon by his own courage and daring, and so skillfully directed the fire of the supporting tank, that the enemy defenses were overrun with a minimum of casualties to his company, while fifty enemy soldiers were killed and fifty more captured."

Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 18

Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 1st Lieutenant
Unit:: Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: June 20th, 1945

"For heroic achievement in action near Rossbach, Germany. A large group of enemy infantry bypasses by the rapid advance of friendly troops, attempted to escape through positions occupied by a rifle company. When the enemy pressure threatened to make the company's positions untenable, Captain Treadwell led a platoon of infantrymen and supporting tanks to positions from where it materially aided in relieving the heavy enemy pressure on the friendly unit and inflicted many casualties upon the enemy. He was wounded and made his way alone under the heavy fire to determine the disposition of other friendly troops. His fine leadership and courage so inspired the men that they went on to completely overrun the enemy resistance. Captain Treadwell's actions reflect credit upon himself and his organization."

Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 241

Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 1st Lieutenant
Unit:: Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: September 14th, 1945

"Capt. Treadwell (then 1st Lt.), commanding officer of Company F, near Nieder-Wurzbach, Germany, in the Siegfried line, single-handedly captured 6 pillboxes and 18 prisoners. Murderous enemy automatic and rifle fire with intermittent artillery bombardments had pinned down his company for hours at the base of a hill defended by concrete fortifications and interlocking trenches. Eight men sent to attack a single point had all become casualties on the hard slope when Capt. Treadwell, armed with a submachinegun and handgrenades, went forward alone to clear the way for his stalled company. Over the terrain devoid of cover and swept by bullets, he fearlessly advanced, firing at the aperture of the nearest pillbox and, when within range, hurling grenades at it. He reached the pillbox, thrust the muzzle of his gun through the port, and drove 4 Germans out with their hands in the air. A fifth was found dead inside. Waving these prisoners back to the American line, he continued under terrible, concentrated fire to the next pillbox and took it in the same manner. In this fort he captured the commander of the hill defenses, whom he sent to the rear with the other prisoners. Never slackening his attack, he then ran across the crest of the hill to a third pillbox, traversing this distance in full view of hostile machine gunners and snipers. He was again successful in taking the enemy position. The Germans quickly fell prey to his further rushes on 3 more pillboxes in the confusion and havoc caused by his whirlwind assaults and capture of their commander. Inspired by the electrifying performance of their leader, the men of Company F stormed after him and overwhelmed resistance on the entire hill, driving a wedge into the Siegfried line and making it possible for their battalion to take its objective. By his courageous willingness to face nearly impossible odds and by his overwhelming one-man offensive, Capt. Treadwell reduced a heavily fortified, seemingly impregnable enemy sector."

Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM)

Rank:: Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:: U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR)

"For meritorious performance of duty as a staff officer, Plans Section, Plans, Programs and Safety Branch, Personnel and Administration Division, Headquarters, United States Army, Europe, from July 1963 to July 1964. During this period, Colonel Treadwell was responsible for the preparation of the Personnel and Administration annexes for USAREUR contingency plans and the concise and comprehensive briefings for the Commander in Chief and the highest level of military and civilian visitors. Through his forceful initiative and attention to detail, he coordinated and integrated the many small but vital details required to make the Personnel and Administration portion to the contingency plans sound and effective planning documents. Particularly noteworthy was Colonel Treadwell's monitorship and revision of the USAREUR (War) Field and Headquarters Standard Operating Procedures. As Briefing Officer, he was required to represent his division in substantially all major USAREUR command briefings and his outstanding presentations won for him the respect and praise of his associates. Colonel Treadwell's unfailing devotion to duty and outstanding accomplishments are of the highest order and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army."

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 197th Infantry Brigade (Separate)

"For exceptionally meritorious service in positions of great responsibility culminating as Commanding Officer, 197th Infantry Brigade (Separate), Fort Benning, George, from July 1966 to August 1968. Colonel Treadwell worked with a dedicated sense of urgency to test and evaluate the training status of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade prior to its deployment to Southeast Asia. As a result of combat oriented tests the brigade was able to avoid many casualties normally encountered in the early phases of combat operations. Colonel Treadwell assumed command of the 197th Infantry Brigade at a period of severe turbulence caused by unprecedented personnel turnover and rapid expansion. During this period, three battalions were organized and trained and operational tests were administered in a minimum length of time. Because of his professional knowledge and organizational abilities, all mission objectives were accomplished in a superior manner. Colonel Treadwell's distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service."

Second LoM received as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 11th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division "Americal Division", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: September 3rd, 1969

"For heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Treadwell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 June 1969 while serving as the Commanding Officer of the 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, Colonel Treadwell was flying his Command and Control Helicopter south of Duc Pho in support of a combined infantry-cavalry force that was engaged with a North Vietnamese Army company. Upon being notified that his Battalion Commander's aircraft was running low on fuel, Colonel Treadwell ordered his to return to Landing Zone BRONCO and immediately assumed control of the operation. He then instructed his pilot to orbit over the battle site so that he could control the friendly elements and provide them with accurate information on the movement and location of the enemy. With this information, the cavalry-infantry unit was able to maneuver on the insurgents, forcing them to break contact and flee their positions. At this time, Colonel Treadwell spotted an estimated squad size hostile force moving toward a hedgerow. Realizing that if allowed to continue, the North Vietnamese Army soldiers could establish a strategic position and would be able to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the company, Colonel Treadwell proceeded to the site. He then ordered his door gunners to engage the enemy, remaining in the area until his helicopter was severely damaged to a point that an emergency landing was imminent. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Treadwell refused to leave the area and continued to direct the ground units until they had the tactical situation under control. He then ordered his pilot to land on a nearby beach and informed the Battalion Commander of the existing situation. Colonel Treadwell's personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 9009

Soldier's Medal (SM)

Period:: Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 11th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division "Americal Division", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: September 10th, 1969

"For heroism not involving actual combat with an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Treadwell distinguished himself by valorous actions on 18 August 1969 while serving as Commander of the 11th Infantry Brigade. On that date, Colonel Treadwell was flying aboard his Command and Control Helicopter en route to Landing Zone BRONCO when he observed the lead vehicle in a friendly convoy detonate a large enemy mine. He immediately ordered his pilot to land near the truck and quickly ran to the site of the explosion. Upon arrival, Colonel Treadwell found that all three passengers in the truck had been thrown free by the blast. To complicate matters, the vehicle had been carrying a large amount of ammunition and a fire resulting from the explosion had caused numerous rounds to explode. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Treadwell ignored the extreme danger involved and rushed to assist the wounded crewmen. Although rounds from the burning truck continued to impact around him, Colonel Treadwell gallantly assisted in moving his wounded comrades to a waiting medevac helicopter. His courageous actions were instrumental in the swift extraction of the casualties and enabled them to be taken to a nearby medical facility to receive proper medical attention with minimal delay. Colonel Treadwell's personal heroism, unselfish concern for his fellow soldiers, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 9213

Legion of Merit - US Military

Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 120th U.S. Army Reserve Command

"For exceptionally meritorious service while serving as Senior Army Advisor, 120th United States Army Reserve Command, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, from July 1972 to November 1973. Colonel Treadwell personally motivated subordinates to peak performance making the advisor system fully responsive to their chain of command. The experience gained and the capabilities developed by the Army Advisor System as a direct result of his dedicated performance of duty has provided an enviable system of command and control that supports the decision-making process at the highest levels. He has coordinated an advisory staff of military and civilians, and harnessed their efforts with patience and understanding, molding a completely unified team. Operating on the premise that staff support should go beyond that which is "just required", he won the admiration and respect of all with whom he has served. Colonel Treadwell's exceptional achievements and devotion to duty are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army."

Third LoM received as second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.