Jimmie W. Monteith, Jr.-Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 49° 21.624 W 000° 51.594
30U E 655394 N 5469723
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action on near Colleville-sur-Mer, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He was killed in action. He is buried in Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, Departement du Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France in Section I, Row 20, Site 12.
Waymark Code: WMXC7P
Location: Normandie, France
Date Posted: 12/25/2017
Views: 8
He was born on July 1, 1917 in Low Moor, VA and died on June 6, 1944 in Basse-Normandie, France. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *MONTEITH, JIMMIE W., JR.
• 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.
• 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.
Armed Service: Army
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