Word Celebrity Blog

( I have not been able to locate any pictures of Private Willy F. James, Jr. If or when I do, I will Post them)



Willy F. James, Jr.


Willy F. James, Jr. (March 18, 1920 - April 8, 1945) was a United States Army private first class who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War II. He was one of seven African-American soldiers who were belatedly awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton on January 13, 1997.

Willy James was born on March 18, 1920 in Kansas City, Missouri. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 11, 1942.










Pfc. Willy F. James, Jr. was an infantry scount assigned to Company G, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division  in April 1945.

On April 7, 1945, Pfc. James was lead scout during a maneuver to secure a bridgehead near Lippoldsberg, Germany.. As his regiment crossed the Weser River, he was pinned down for more than an hour by enemy machine gun  fire. When Pfc. James was able to return to his platoon with his scouting observations, he helped to develop a new assault plan, designating targets in the new attack. When his platoon leader was mortally wounded, Willy James went to the platoon leader's aid, and was himself killed by the German machine gun fire.


























Pfc Willy F. James was buried in the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in the Dutch town of Margraten. Private James' grave can be found in plot P, row 9, grave 9.


Awards and Decorations

Medals:

Medal of Honor
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge



Namesake and Honors

On November 4, 2001, the 7th U.S. Army Reserve Command (ARCOM) Reserve Center in Bamberg, Germany was dedicated to the memory of PFC Willy F. James, Jr. The center houses the 301st Rear Operations Center, the 345th Rear Area Operations Center, the 1172nd Movement Control Team, and their Regional Support Detachment.

On January 13, 1997, PFC James' Medal of Honor was presented to his widow, Mrs. Valcenie James, by President Bill Clinton, in a White House ceremony in which six other black American soldiers were also awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during World War II.


Medal Of Honor Citation














Citation:

"For extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1945 near Lippoldsberg, Germany. As lead scout during a maneuver to secure and expand a vital bridgehead, Private First Class James was the first to draw enemy fire. He was pinned down for over an hour, during which time he observed enemy positions in detail. Returning to his platoon, he assisted in working out a new plan of maneuver. He then led a squad in the assault, accurately designating targets as he advanced, until he was killed by enemy machine gun fire while going to the aid of his fatally wounded platoon leader.

Private First Class James' fearless, self-assigned actions, coupled with his diligent devotion to duty exemplified the finest traditions of the Armed Forces."























Two boys, who realize their freedom.


"What did they look like, what were their plans for the future 'after the war', we we'll never know, they rest for eternity in Dutch soil. But not nameless. We, the free people, can silently stand at their grave and thank them for their sacrifice."