134th Infantry Regiment Website
35th Infantry Division Research Center
"All Hell Can't Stop Us"
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134th Infantry Regiment Website35th Infantry Division Research Center"All Hell Can't Stop Us" |
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James Edward McCamey, Jr registered for the draft June 30, 1942. He was an Infantry Unit Commander in Company B, 137th Infantry Regiment and landed at Omaha Beach, Normandy France on July 7, 1944. Four days later, he was wounded in action July 11 in the vicinity of St Lo, France and returned to action on July 18, 1944 while the unit was still in the vicinity of St Lo. He was awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge and a Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action on August 1, 1944. At the time they were driving southeast from St Lo toward Tessy sur Vire. He was also awarded a Silver Star Oak Leaf Cluster for gallantry September 11, 1944 while fighting near the west bank of the Moselle River. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant September 9, 1944, wounded in action September 14th, then transferred to the 106th Evacuation Hospital. After recuperating from his wounds, he returned to duty December 7, 1944 when the unit was in the vicinity of Holving, France. 1st Lt James E McCamey, Jr was injured by an artillery blast near Habkirchen, Germany December 19, 1944 and did not return to active duty. He retired from the Army October 19, 1945.
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Silver Star Medal Citation |
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Second Lieutenant James E McCamey Jr, O-1321796, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the * * * River sector, France, on 1 August 1944. Lieutenant McCamey, platoon leader, Company B, 137th Infantry, directed the fire of accompanying tanks by means of a control telephone. As a result of enemy action, the tank from which he was directing fire was knocked out. Despite the intensity of enemy fire, Lieutenant McCamey ran alongside the commander's tank, shouting orders which were in turn radioed to the other tanks. When the attack slowed down in the face of superior enemy forces, Lieutenant McCamey reorganized the company, then returned to the rear and led the supporting infantry company into position for a continuation of the attack. Directing both companies and the detachment of tanks, he succeeded in reaching and holding the battalion objective. The outstanding leadership of Lieutenant McCamey, his courage, resourcefulness, and utter disregard for personal safety, were immeasurably responsible for the success of the mission, and are in accord with the high traditions of the military service. Entered military service from California. General Orders No. 32, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 14 September 1944 |
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Silver Star Oak Leaf Cluster |
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First Lieutenant James E McCamey Jr, O-1321796, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action near * * * , France, on 11 September 1944. Lieutenant McCamey swam across the * * * River, leading his platoon to the east bank in the face of heavy enemy fire of all types. After establishing a foothold, this platoon was pinned down on the hostile shore for more than three hours but by skillful deployment of his troops, Lieutenant McCamey held his position against great odds. Upon hearing friendly tanks about 300 yards down the river, he established contact with them by running through fields of fire with complete disregard for personal safety. Mounted on the forward part of the lead tank, he directed the column to the front of his platoon's position and succeeded in driving the enemy from their strong positions. Lieutenant McCamey's dynamic and inspiring leadership made possible the enlargement of the bridgehead and enabled the remainder of the battalion to cross the river with minimum casualties. Entered military service from California. General Orders No. 45, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 19 October 1944 |
Thanks to Elayne Stodola, for the picture of her uncle.
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