MONTEITH, JIMMIE W., JR. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June
1944. Entered service at: Richmond, Va. Birth: 1 July 1917, Low Moor, Va.
G.O. No.: 20, 29 March 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer,
France. 1st Lt. 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 2 tanks
were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machinegun
fire. Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. 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 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while leading
the fight out of the situation, 1st Lt. Monteith was killed by enemy fire.
The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by 1st Lt. Monteith
is worthy of emulation.
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