91-Year-Old WWll Veteran to be Guest of U.S. Army Team at Chicagoland Speedway
JOLIET, Ill. — James Megellas, a 91-year-old World War II decorated veteran, will be a guest of Mark Martin and the U.S. Army NASCAR team at this weekend’s Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway.
Megellas, a native of Fond du Lac, Wis. and ardent NASCAR fan, is the most decorated officer in the history of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.
A retired lieutenant colonel, Megellas was awarded more than 20 medals, including The Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and Master Parachutist.
He also authored a book — All the way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe.
Megellas made his second trip to Afghanistan in December 2007 to meet with soldiers. He shared his battlefield experiences from World War II, participated in combat patrols, including a ride-along in a humvee. He also spoke to staff members from the Combined Joint Task Force, addressing leadership in combat while serving overseas
