Soldiers, Veterans Mark 65th Anniversary of Major WWII Battle

Click Here to View Photos from the Operation Market Garden Gallery (Photos Courtesy of the Fond du Lac Reporter).

Operation Market Garden was an Allied military operation fought in the Netherlands and Germany in World War II from Sept. 17 to Sept. 25, 1944.

Market Garden was the largest airborne operation of all time. The battle was memorialized in the book and movie, "A Bridge Too Far."

The Dutch government has planned large-scale ceremonies starting this week, to mark the 65th anniversary of the battle. Attending will be thousands of active-duty soldiers and veterans, and visitors and dignitaries from around the world including the Netherlands' Queen Beatrix and the Queen of England.

Also attending by special invitation of the Dutch embassy, are Fond du Lac, Wis. native and war hero, Lt. Col. James Megellas, U.S. Army (Ret.); and Justin Connaher, a Fond du Lac Reporter photographer.

Megellas is well-known to veterans worldwide. He is the 82nd Airborne Division's most decorated officer. He was awarded more than 25 medals including The Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts, Presidential Citation w/cluster, Belgium Fouragere, 6 Campaign Stars, and Master Parachutist for his WWII service. He was the first American decorated by the Government of Holland.

Among his most notable battles were in the Italian mountains, the beach landing at Anzio, the jump into Holland, the famous crossing of the Waal River under heavy German machine gun fire in broad daylight, and the Battle of the Bulge.

Megellas wrote a book, "All the Way to Berlin." He continues today to give motivational talks about leadership and tolerance.

Megellas will participate in the official anniversary ceremonies. The ceremonies will include a drop by 1,000 paratroopers, and a re-enactment of the Waal crossing. Megellas will be in one of the lead boats, just as he was during the battle.

Connaher also is a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, who, through his work for The Reporter, has developed a bond with Mr. Megellas.

Connaher is the only American photographer who was invited to cover the official ceremonies.