In Memoriam: Lt. Col. James Megellas (Delta Omega/Ripon 1942)
The Fraternity is saddened to report that Lt. Col. James "Maggie" Megellas (Delta Omega/Ripon 1942) has entered the Chapter Eternal. A World War II paratrooper, Brother Megellas is the most decorated officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. He saw action in Italy, jumped into the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, and two Purple Hearts.
During the Battle of the Bulge, Megellas and his platoon advanced toward Herresbach in Belgium when they were spotted by a German tank. Megellas ran up to the tank and single-handedly disabled it and its crew with two hand grenades. He then led the platoon to seize and liberate the town and suffering no casualties. For his actions, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor, though during the War he received a Silver Star. In recent years, many lobbied on his behalf for him to receive the Medal of Honor.
Megellas authored a memoir titled All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe and was featured in the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far, being portrayed by actor John Ratzenberger.
Brother Megallas was part of the local fraternity at Ripon College that affiliated with Theta Chi Fraternity in 1954. According to The Rattle, Brother Megallas was initiated during Delta Omega’s Installation and served as the emcee during the installation banquet.
This feature article from his hometown paper, The Fon Du Lac Reporter, shares more about this true American hero.
https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/2020/04/03/james-maggie-megellas-fond-du-lac-war-hero-dies-age-103/2938815001/.
Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 191,000 initiated members and has established 241 chapters. Leadership development, personal development, and service to alma mater are fundamental to Theta Chi Fraternity’s mission.