James, Willy F., Jr.

Date of birth:: March 18th, 1920 (Kansas City, United States)
Date of death:: April 8th, 1945 (Lippoldsberg, Germany)
Buried on:: Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private 1st Class
Unit:: Company G, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division "Timberwolf", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: January 13th, 1997

Citation:
For extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1945 near Lippoldsberg, Germany. As lead scout during a manoeuver to secure and expand a vital bridgehead, Private First Class James was the first to draw enemy fire. He was pinned down for over an hour, during which time he observed enemy positions in detail. Returning to his platoon, he assisted in working out a new plan of manoeuver. He then led a squad in the assault, accurately designating targets as he advanced, until he was killed by enemy machine gun fire while going to the aid of his fatally wounded platoon leader. Private First Class James' fearless, self-assigned actions, coupled with his diligent devotion to duty exemplified the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Presented to next of kin