Medal of Honor: Jimmie W. Monteith Jr. - World War II - June 6, 1944

Name: Jimmie W. Monteith Jr.
Rank: First Lieutenant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 6, 1944
Location: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France

Summary of Action

On 6 June 1944, during the opening hours of the Normandy invasion, First Lieutenant Jimmie W. Monteith Jr. displayed extraordinary heroism while landing with the first assault waves at Omaha Beach.

As German machine guns and artillery tore into the crowded shoreline, many units became disorganized amid the confusion and mounting casualties.

Ignoring the deadly fire, Monteith repeatedly moved up and down the exposed beach, gathering scattered soldiers and reorganizing them for the assault inland.

Recognizing that remaining on the beach meant certain destruction, he personally led his men across a narrow protective ledge and over open, fire-swept terrain toward the relative safety of the cliffs beyond.

Once his troops reached cover, Monteith turned back.

Crossing the exposed ground again under relentless enemy fire, he reached two American tanks whose crews had closed their hatches and were effectively blind under the intensity of the bombardment.

Completely exposed, Monteith guided the tanks on foot through a dangerous minefield and into positions from which they could engage German defenses.

Under his direction, the tanks destroyed several enemy strongpoints that had pinned down the invasion force.

Rejoining his company, Monteith then led the attack that captured a vital position on higher ground overlooking the beach.

Throughout the day he tirelessly supervised its defense, repeatedly crossing 200 to 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to reinforce threatened sections of the line and maintain communications among his men.

Eventually, German counterattacks succeeded in surrounding Monteith and his small force.

Rather than surrender or withdraw, he led the desperate fight to break out of the encirclement.

During that final action, First Lieutenant Monteith was killed by enemy fire.

His fearless leadership, relentless determination, and complete disregard for his own safety inspired all who served with him and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

MONTEITH, JIMMIE W., JR.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944.

Entered service at: Richmond, Va.

Born: 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 two tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machine-gun 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.