Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Jack
LeMaster
Treadwell
March 31, 1919

–

December 12, 1977

Cemetery:

Fort Sill Post Cemetery

During his military career from World War II through the Vietnam War, Jack Treadwell earned every U.S. Army award from the Air Medal to the Medal of Honor except the Distinguished Service Medal, and is the only American soldier to ever achieve that distinction.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant]

    Regiment:

    180th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 4, 1945
    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 185 (May 30, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-38163/38107224), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 4 January 1945, near Wimmenan, France. A numerically superior enemy force in well-entrenched defensive positions, directed intense machine gun and rifle fire at Captain Treadwell’s attacking company and stopped the advance. Moving through the heavy fire to the platoon which was bearing the brunt of the enemy pressure, Captain Treadwell found the platoon leader wounded and the platoon itself disorganized. Acting quickly to meet the situation, he regrouped the squads, called for close mortar and tank support, maneuvered his other platoons into positions, and then led his men in an aggressive assault up the enemy-held hill. Captain Treadwell so inspired his platoon by his own courage and daring, and so skillfully directed the fire of the supporting tank, that the enemy defenses were overrun with a minimum of casualties to his company, while fifty enemy soldiers were killed and fifty more captured.

  • Army Commendation Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    July 1963 – July 1964

    The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Commendation Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-1703018), United States Army, for meritorious performance of duty as a staff officer, Plans Section, Plans, Programs and Safety Branch, Personnel and Administration Division, Headquarters, United States Army, Europe, from July 1963 to July 1964. During this period, Colonel Treadwell was responsible for the preparation of the Personnel and Administration annexes for USAREUR contingency plans and the concise and comprehensive briefings for the Commander in Chief and the highest level of military and civilian visitors. Through his forceful initiative and attention to detail, he coordinated and integrated the many small but vital details required to make the Personnel and Administration portion to the contingency plans sound and effective planning documents. Particularly noteworthy was Colonel Treadwell’s monitorship and revision of the USAREUR (War) Field and Headquarters Standard Operating Procedures. As Briefing Officer, he was required to represent his division in substantially all major USAREUR command briefings and his outstanding presentations won for him the respect and praise of his associates. Colonel Treadwell’s unfailing devotion to duty and outstanding accomplishments are of the highest order and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    11th Infantry Brigade

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1969
    Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 9009 (September 3, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-38163/38107224), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Treadwell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 June 1969 while serving as the Commanding Officer of the 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, Colonel Treadwell was flying his Command and Control Helicopter south of Duc Pho in support of a combined infantry-cavalry force that was engaged with a North Vietnamese Army company. Upon being notified that his Battalion Commander’s aircraft was running low on fuel, Colonel Treadwell ordered his to return to Landing Zone BRONCO and immediately assumed control of the operation. He then instructed his pilot to orbit over the battle site so that he could control the friendly elements and provide them with accurate information on the movement and location of the enemy. With this information, the cavalry-infantry unit was able to maneuver on the insurgents, forcing them to break contact and flee their positions. At this time, Colonel Treadwell spotted an estimated squad size hostile force moving toward a hedgerow. Realizing that if allowed to continue, the North Vietnamese Army soldiers could establish a strategic position and would be able to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the company, Colonel Treadwell proceeded to the site. He then ordered his door gunners to engage the enemy, remaining in the area until his helicopter was severely damaged to a point that an emergency landing was imminent. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Treadwell refused to leave the area and continued to direct the ground units until they had the tactical situation under control. He then ordered his pilot to land on a nearby beach and informed the Battalion Commander of the existing situation. Colonel Treadwell’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    11th Infantry Brigade

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    August 18, 1969
    Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 9213 (September 10, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Colonel Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-38163/38107224), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual combat with an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Treadwell distinguished himself by valorous actions on 18 August 1969 while serving as Commander of the 11th Infantry Brigade. On that date, Colonel Treadwell was flying aboard his Command and Control Helicopter en route to Landing Zone BRONCO when he observed the lead vehicle in a friendly convoy detonate a large enemy mine. He immediately ordered his pilot to land near the truck and quickly ran to the site of the explosion. Upon arrival, Colonel Treadwell found that all three passengers in the truck had been thrown free by the blast. To complicate matters, the vehicle had been carrying a large amount of ammunition and a fire resulting from the explosion had caused numerous rounds to explode. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Treadwell ignored the extreme danger involved and rushed to assist the wounded crewmen. Although rounds from the burning truck continued to impact around him, Colonel Treadwell gallantly assisted in moving his wounded comrades to a waiting medevac helicopter. His courageous actions were instrumental in the swift extraction of the casualties and enabled them to be taken to a nearby medical facility to receive proper medical attention with minimal delay. Colonel Treadwell’s personal heroism, unselfish concern for his fellow soldiers, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant]

    Regiment:

    180th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 18, 1945
    War Department, General Orders No. 79 (September 14, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-1703018), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty on 18 March 1945, while serving with Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Captain Treadwell, commanding officer of Company F, near Nieder-Wurzbach, Germany, in the Siegfried line, single-handedly captured six pillboxes and 18 prisoners. Murderous enemy automatic and rifle fire with intermittent artillery bombardments had pinned down his company for hours at the base of a hill defended by concrete fortifications and interlocking trenches. Eight men sent to attack a single point had all become casualties on the hard slope when Captain Treadwell, armed with a submachine gun and hand grenades, went forward alone to clear the way for his stalled company. Over the terrain devoid of cover and swept by bullets, he fearlessly advanced, firing at the aperture of the nearest pillbox and, when within range, hurling grenades at it. He reached the pillbox, thrust the muzzle of his gun through the port, and drove four Germans out with their hands in the air. A fifth was found dead inside. Waving these prisoners back to the American line, he continued under terrible, concentrated fire to the next pillbox and took it in the same manner. In this fort he captured the commander of the hill defenses, whom he sent to the rear with the other prisoners. Never slackening his attack, he then ran across the crest of the hill to a third pillbox, traversing this distance in full view of hostile machine gunners and snipers. He was again successful in taking the enemy position. The Germans quickly fell prey to his further rushes on three more pillboxes in the confusion and havoc caused by his whirlwind assaults and capture of their commander. Inspired by the electrifying performance of their leader, the men of Company F stormed after him and overwhelmed resistance on the entire hill, driving a wedge into the Siegfried line and making it possible for their battalion to take its objective. By his courageous willingness to face nearly impossible odds and by his overwhelming one-man offensive, Captain Treadwell reduced a heavily fortified, seemingly impregnable enemy sector.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    180th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 30, 1945
    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 241 (June 20, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-1703018), United States Army, for heroic achievement in action while serving with Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, on 30 March 1945, near Rossbach, Germany. A large group of enemy infantry bypasses by the rapid advance of friendly troops, attempted to escape through positions occupied by a rifle company. When the enemy pressure threatened to make the company’s positions untenable, Captain Treadwell led a platoon of infantrymen and supporting tanks to positions from where it materially aided in relieving the heavy enemy pressure on the friendly unit and inflicted many casualties upon the enemy. He was wounded and made his way alone under the heavy fire to determine the disposition of other friendly troops. His fine leadership and courage so inspired the men that they went on to completely overrun the enemy resistance. Captain Treadwell’s actions reflect credit upon himself and his organization.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    180th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1944
    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 53 (July 25, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-1703018), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 24 May 1944, near Carano, Italy. When an attack by a superior enemy force threatened the security of his company position, Lieutenant Treadwell, weapons platoon leader of a rifle company, promptly brought the fire of his weapons platoon to bear on the enemy. Small groups of enemy under cover of artillery and mortar fire had advanced to within fifty yards of the company position and were beginning to infiltrate through the lines. Lieutenant Treadwell, knowing that two of the rifle platoons were without officers, quickly reorganized them to meet each new thrust of the enemy. Working under heavy fire, Lieutenant Treadwell excellent leadership as he moved from squad to squad over a 400 yard front, controlling the defense of the positions. While directing friendly artillery and mortar fire during this engagement Lieutenant Treadwell adjusted fire on the enemy positions extremely close to his observation post. Closing with the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat, Lieutenant Treadwell inspired his men to a vicious and successful defense of their positions.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    July 1972 – November 1973

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-1703018), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service while serving as Senior Army Advisor, 120th United States Army Reserve Command, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, from July 1972 to November 1973. Colonel Treadwell personally motivated subordinates to peak performance making the advisor system fully responsive to their chain of command. The experience gained and the capabilities developed by the Army Advisor System as a direct result of his dedicated performance of duty has provided an enviable system of command and control that supports the decision-making process at the highest levels. He has coordinated an advisory staff of military and civilians, and harnessed their efforts with patience and understanding, molding a completely unified team. Operating on the premise that staff support should go beyond that which is “just required”, he won the admiration and respect of all with whom he has served. Colonel Treadwell’s exceptional achievements and devotion to duty are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    July 1966 – August 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-1703018), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service in positions of great responsibility culminating as Commanding Officer, 197th Infantry Brigade (Separate), Fort Benning, George, from July 1966 to August 1968. Colonel Treadwell worked with a dedicated sense of urgency to test and evaluate the training status of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade prior to its deployment to Southeast Asia. As a result of combat oriented tests the brigade was able to avoid many casualties normally encountered in the early phases of combat operations. Colonel Treadwell assumed command of the 197th Infantry Brigade at a period of severe turbulence caused by unprecedented personnel turnover and rapid expansion. During this period, three battalions were organized and trained and operational tests were administered in a minimum length of time. Because of his professional knowledge and organizational abilities, all mission objectives were accomplished in a superior manner. Colonel Treadwell’s distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    180th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1943 – March 30, 1945
    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 262 (September 24, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain (Infantry) Jack LeMaster Treadwell (ASN: 0-1703018), United States Army, for meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services while serving with Company F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, during the period 24 May 1943 to 30 March 1945.