"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty on 6 June 1944, while serving with 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. First
Lieutenant 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 two tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy
artillery and machine gun fire. Completely exposed to the intense fire,
First Lieutenant 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
First Lieutenant Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out
of the situation, First Lieutenant Monteith was killed by enemy fire. The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by First
Lieutenant Monteith is worthy of emulation."
From 1st Lt. Monteith's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on March 29, 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian
Camp Monteith is a U.S. military base named in honor of Jimmie Monteith, located in Gnjilane, Kosovo.
Monteith Hall at Virginia Tech. Virginia.
Jimmie W. Monteith Jr. Amphitheater, Fort McClellan, Alabama.
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