Jack C. Montgomery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack C. Montgomery
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1Lt Montgomery in 1945 after receiving his Medal of Honor
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| Born | July 23, 1917 Long, Oklahoma |
| Died | June 11, 2002 (aged 84) Muskogee, Oklahoma |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1937–1945 |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Silver Star Purple Heart (2) |
Jack Cleveland Montgomery (born July 23, 1917 – died June 11, 2002) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He was a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned this award for his amazing actions during World War II.
Jack Montgomery joined the Army in 1937 from Sallisaw, Oklahoma. By February 22, 1944, he was a first lieutenant. He served in the 180th Infantry Regiment, which was part of the 45th Infantry Division.
Heroic Actions in Italy
On February 22, 1944, Lieutenant Montgomery showed incredible courage. This happened near a place called Padiglione, in Italy. He faced German soldiers all by himself.
He bravely attacked their positions alone. During this fight, he killed eleven enemy soldiers. He also captured dozens of others. He was seriously hurt during this battle. Because of his brave actions, he was given the Medal of Honor. This special award was given to him about a year later, on January 15, 1945.
Life and Legacy
Jack Montgomery went to the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School in Oklahoma. Interestingly, another Medal of Honor winner from World War II, Ernest Childers, went to the same school. He also served in Italy.
Montgomery left the Army as a first lieutenant. He passed away when he was 84 years old. He was buried in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Today, a medical center for veterans in Muskogee, Oklahoma, is named in his honor. This shows how much his bravery is remembered.
See also
