Jack C. Montgomery

Who was Jack C. Montgomery?

Jack Cleveland Montgomery was a United States Army officer, a Cherokee Indian, and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

Montgomery joined the Army in 1937 from Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and by February 22, 1944 was serving as a first lieutenant in the 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. On that day, near Padiglione, Italy, Montgomery single-handedly attacked German positions, killing eleven enemy soldiers and taking dozens of prisoners. For his actions in the battle, during which he was seriously wounded, he was awarded the Medal of Honor a year later, on January 15, 1945.

Montgomery left the Army while still a first lieutenant. He died at age 84 and was buried in Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. The Veterans Health Administration medical center located in Muskogee, Oklahoma, is named in his honor.