“News from the Hut”
for American Legion Post #142; Hominy, Oklahoma.
>>> by Gary Lanham

Unfortunately, the Fund-Raiser Chicken Noodle Dinner had to be postponed, and the Monday breakfast canceled due to weather. It is pretty much a no brainer with the kind of cold and snow, we have been experiencing. Stay tuned for new dates and updates.

As I mentioned last week, an Okie was recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Here is his story. First Lieutenant Jack Montgomery, U.S. Army, 45th Infantry Division, entered service at Sallisaw, Okla. but was born in Long, Okla. His WWII Medal Citation was “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 22 February 1944, near Padiglione, Italy”.

Two hours before daybreak, a strong force of enemy infantry established themselves in 3 echelons at 50 yards, 100 yards, and 300 yards, respectively, in front of the rifle platoons commanded by 1st Lt. Montgomery. The closest position, consisting of 4 machine guns and 1 mortar, threatened the immediate security of the platoon position.

Seizing an Ml rifle and several hand grenades, 1st Lt. Montgomery crawled up a ditch to within hand grenade range of the enemy. Then climbing boldly onto a little mound, he fired his rifle and threw his grenades so accurately that he killed 8 of the enemy and captured the remaining 4. Returning to his platoon, he called for artillery fire on a house, in and around which he suspected that the majority of the enemy had entrenched themselves. Arming himself with a carbine, he proceeded along the shallow ditch, as withering fire from the riflemen and machine gunners in the second position was concentrated on him. He attacked this position with such fury that 7 of the enemy surrendered to him, and both machine guns were silenced.

Three German dead were found in the vicinity later that morning. 1st Lt. Montgomery continued boldly toward the house, 300 yards from his platoon position. It was now daylight, and the enemy observation was excellent across the flat open terrain which led to 1st Lt. Montgomery’s objective. When the artillery barrage had lifted 1st Lt. Montgomery ran fearlessly toward the strongly defended position. As the enemy started streaming out of the house, 1st Lt. Montgomery, unafraid of treacherous snipers, exposed himself daringly to assemble the surrendering enemy and send them to the rear. His fearless, aggressive, and intrepid actions that morning, accounted for a total of 11 enemy dead, 32 prisoners, and an unknown number of wounded. That night, while aiding an adjacent unit to repulse a counterattack, he was struck by mortar fragments and seriously wounded. The selflessness and courage exhibited by 1st Lt. Montgomery in alone attacking 3 strong enemy positions inspired his men to a degree beyond estimation.

The weather needs to be watched continuously, so we remain in the “common sense” rule. Our fearless commander has returned from his journeys to Arizona for the Ira Hayes/Iwo Jima Memorial Parade and Ceremony at Sacaton, AZ on the Pima Indian Reservation and from Wyoming. I’m sure pictures and reports will follow.

Our regular meetings are usually the first and third Thursdays at 7:00 PM (March 5th and 19th). If Chef Jerry serves up a feast that will drop back an hour. I will update you if and when that happens. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in March are still planned (if weather permits) and running starting around 0700 till about 0900. Much thanks to the crew for providing biscuits and gravy and maybe a waffle or two and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print! Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”.