Act of Valor by Simon Smith signed by 'Maggie' Megellas, 82nd Airborne legend

Description: A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT AMERICAN HERO – JAMES ‘MAGGIE’ MEGELLAS. THE MOST DECORATED OFFICER IN THE HISTORY OF THE US 82nd AIRBORNE DIVISIONACT OF VALOR by Simon Smith Snow was falling and it was bitterly cold as 1st Lt James ‘Maggie’ Megellas brought his weary platoon to an abrupt halt. Quietly he ordered his men down – something was wrong.It was Sunday 28th January 1945 and, in the aftermath of the Battle of the Bulge, he and his small unit had been advancing all day along heavily wooded, snow-clad tracks towards their objective - the small town of Herresbach. Almost immediately he spotted movement. Advancing out of the town through the tree line ahead, and oblivious to the American’s presence, was a large force of German infantry.Megellas realized they were heavily out- numbered and that surprise was their best weapon. Seizing the moment, the American paratroopers charged the unsuspecting enemy, firing from the hip. Caught off- guard the dazed Germans were routed and within minutes over a hundred enemy lay dead, the survivors threw down their weapons and surrendered. Incredibly not a single American had been killed or injured. But the day’s action wasn’t over: the unmistakable sound of heavy armor now carried across the snow-covered battleground as a German MkV Panther tank lumbered ominously towards them. With total disregard for his own safety, Megellas single-handedly charged the steel monster; placing a grenade into one of its tracks he disabled the tank, before throwing another grenade inside, eliminating the crew.For this selfless and heroic act Megellas was immediately nominated for the Medal of Honor. The regimental account of his action, however, was somehow omitted from the official battle report and instead he was awarded the Silver Star.Simon Smith’s dramatic image picks up the story as, with the Panther rendered harmless, Megellas readies his men for their final advance into Herresbach.THE SIGNATURE Joining artist Simon Smith every print has been personally signed by one of the great heroes of World War II:Lieutenant Colonel JAMES ‘MAGGIE’ MEGELLAS Officially recognized as ‘the most-decorated officer in the history of the US 82nd Airborne Division’, James ‘Maggie’ Megellas commanded a platoon in ‘H’ Company, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He first saw combat in the mountains of southern Italy in 1943, where he was wounded. In January 1944 he took part in the amphibious assault at Anzio where he was once again wounded during the savage fighting, before re-grouping in England to jump into Holland on Operation Market Garden in September 1944. Taking part in the Waal River Crossing in flimsy assault boats under heavy fire, Megellas single-handedly destroyed a powerful German machine-gun and Observation post, an action for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross – America’s second-highest decoration. From December 1944 his unit took part in the bitter fighting during the Battle of the Bulge and on 28 January 1945 Megellas single-handedly disabled a German Panther tank, eliminating the threat to his men. Although nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor, he was instead awarded the Silver Star. Later, as the 82nd Airborne advanced into Germany, Megellas was promoted to command ‘H’ Company with whom he had served with such distinction. His many awards include: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster‘Maggie’ Megellas gave his personal approval to Simon’s stunning rendition and personally signed this powerful print as a living reminder of one of the most inspirational stories of World War II, making this is the perfect piece for military art enthusiasts and autograph collectors alike. THIS PIECE CAN ALSO BE SUPPLIED FRAMED & SHIPPED – please contact us for details.Please note: The signatures on all of our pieces are original, hand-signed autographs by the veterans involved.BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We have been in business for over 20 years and our items are guaranteed to be in perfect condition, unless clearly specified otherwise.SHIPPING: Our prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in large, thick shipping tubes and matted and framed pieces are 'flat packed' in substantial packaging. Our shipping is insured and guaranteed.YOUR PIECE OF MIND: As a reputable company, if any issues do arise we don't expect our customers to deal with it. So if there are any problems such as with condition, delivery or damages then we will take care of it with a replacement or your money back.

Price: 225 USD

Location: Ojai, California

End Time: 2024-12-21T02:13:37.000Z

Shipping Cost: 15 USD