"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and
beyond the call of duty on February 22, 1944, near Padiglione, Italy. Two hours before daybreak a strong force of enemy infantry established
themselves in 3 echelons at 50 yards, 100 yards, and 300 yards,
respectively, in front of the rifle platoons commanded by 1st Lt.
Montgomery. The closest position, consisting of 4 machine guns and 1 mortar, threatened the immediate security of the platoon position. Seizing an M1 rifle and several hand grenades, 1st Lt. Montgomery crawled up a ditch to within hand grenade
range of the enemy. Then climbing boldly onto a little mound, he fired
his rifle and threw his grenades so accurately that he killed 8 of the
enemy and captured the remaining 4. Returning to his platoon, he called
for artillery fire on a house, in and around which he suspected that the
majority of the enemy had entrenched themselves. Arming himself with a carbine,
he proceeded along the shallow ditch, as withering fire from the
riflemen and machine gunners in the second position was concentrated on
him. He attacked this position with such fury that 7 of the enemy
surrendered to him, and both machine guns were silenced. Three German
dead were found in the vicinity later that morning. 1st Lt. Montgomery
continued boldly toward the house, 300 yards from his platoon position. It was now daylight, and the enemy observation was excellent across the
flat open terrain which led to 1st Lt. Montgomery's objective. When the
artillery barrage had lifted, 1st Lt. Montgomery ran fearlessly toward
the strongly defended position. As the enemy started streaming out of
the house, 1st Lt. Montgomery, unafraid of treacherous snipers, exposed
himself daringly to assemble the surrendering enemy and send them to the
rear. His fearless, aggressive, and intrepid actions that morning,
accounted for a total of 11 enemy dead, 32 prisoners, and an unknown
number of wounded. That night, while aiding an adjacent unit to repulse a
counterattack, he was struck by mortar fragments and seriously wounded.
The selflessness and courage exhibited by 1st Lt. Montgomery in alone
attacking 3 strong enemy positions inspired his men to a degree beyond
estimation."
From 1st Lt. Montgomery's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on January 15, 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian
The Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center located in Muskogee, Oklahoma
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