James, Willy Frederick Jr.
1920-1945 · Contribution: 1945-1997
Military & Safety
Received the Medal of Honor posthumously in 1997 for scouting under fire and dying while going to the aid of his wounded platoon leader near Lippoldsberg, Germany, in April 1945 — one of seven Black WWII veterans honored after a 1990s Army study confirmed racial discrimination had denied Black soldiers fair Medal of Honor consideration
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Quick facts
- Born
- 1920-1945
- Category
- Military & Safety
Impact on the world
James's fearless scouting and leadership under fire exemplified the valor of Black WWII soldiers whose recognition came only decades later.
Sources
- National Museum of the United States Army
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