Jack Montgomery: World War II: Gallantry at Anzio

Medal of Honor

by Michael P. Spradlin

Jack C. Montgomery was a Cherokee from Oklahoma, and a first lieutenant with the 45th Infantry Division Thunderbirds. On February 22, 1944, near Padiglione, Italy, Montgomery's rifle platoon was under fire by three echelons of enemy forces when he single-handedly attacked all three positions, neutralizing the German machine-gunners and taking numerous prisoners in the process. Montgomery's actions demoralized the enemy and saved the lives of many American soldiers.

The Medal of Honor series profiles the courage and accomplishments of recipients of the highest and most prestigious personal military decoration, awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary acts of valor.

Genres: Juvenile, War, Biography, Nonfiction, Historical, Middle Grade, Military Fiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Michael P. Spradlin is the author of more than a dozen books for children.

Reviews

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

ack Montgomery (Medal of Honor) by Michael P. Spradlin, 96 pages. NON-FICTION Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), 2019. $16.

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jack Montgomery was a World War II hero whose selfless actions in the heat of battle saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and made an important impact on the progress of the Allies. Jack was a Cherokee who during the Great Depression joined the Oklahoma National Guard. As Jack went throughout his life, he progressed through the ranks until he was a First Lieutenant of the 45th Division (which is known as the Thunderbird division because of the different Native Americans who were in the division). The invasion of Italy in 1944 is covered as Montgomery’s troop was involved in that front of the war.

This short, yet exciting account of Jack Montgomery’s contribution to the war was hard to put down. I liked the way that Jack’s story went back and forth between what was happening in Europe during the war and Jack's life before the war. I also enjoyed the inserts that included side notes about different parts of the war that affected Jack and his division. I think 5th and 6th graders would enjoy the story as well as middle school, but there is a morbid picture that is part of a spy story that is upsetting, so be aware of that.

Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I would have liked to have had more details on his life and service, I still enjoyed this title, focused on Lieutenant Jack Montgomery, who won the Medal of Honor for his heroism during World War II. Part of a new series devoted to those individuals who have received this particular distinction, this book will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading books about heroism, character, and the military. The author provides some background on the war and the European battlefront as well as Montgomery's formative years and military service. Accompanied by archival black and white photographs and sidebars about the rise of Nazism, the downfall of Benito Mussolini, deception during wars, and the swastika, the symbol of the 45th Army Division until Hitler made that symbol inappropriate for the soldiers to use. The lieutenant's division, comprised of Native Americans, fought for 511 days of combat and emerged from the war as a highly decorated group. It's hard to imagine enduring that many days of stress and pressure. Montgomery's citation for the Medal is included as part of the back matter so readers can read the text description of his feats as well as how they were described when he received the Medal.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short nonfiction chapter book tells the story of Jack C. Montgomery, a recipient of the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action during World War II. The book provides enough background for young readers to understand the context of Montgomery's actions without getting bogged down in too many details. I could have done with a bit more information about Montgomery himself, the background details are pretty basic, but for young readers it shouldn't be an issue. The focus of the book is on building up to the details of the events that lead to Montgomery's being awarded the Medal of Honor. And that part of the book is the best part, unsurprisingly. I was stunned to read of the remarkable actions that Montgomery took to protect those under his command. It's amazing he came out of it alive. Young readers who are into stories of the military and war are sure to appreciate this one. While it would have been nice to have more photographs of Montgomery, the few that are included are a nice addition. The other photographs help provide context for the circumstances that Montgomery found himself in.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Montgomery was a first lieutenant in WWII fighting in Italy when he won the Medal of Honor. This prestigious medal is given to recognize extraordinary acts of valor. His division was very close to the front lines - so close that at times they were only several hundred feet away. In this instance, Jack single-handedly took on 3 different groups of German soldiers and neutralized them to keep the rest of his division safe.
There are black and white photos as well as background information about the war. The beginning of the book includes the different ranks in the army as well as a list of units and sizes. At the end, there is the complete citation given to Jack Montgomery as well as a glossary of terms, source notes, a selected bibliography, and photo credits.
This particular account feels a little disjointed in the telling in how it jumps around in the timeline. Other than that it is a great account of a First Nations war hero.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherokee-American war hero Jack Montgomery received the Medal of Honor after bravely protecting his platoon in a World War II battle in Italy. At his own peril, Montgomery launched grenades into three different axis controlled areas, alleviating gunfire on his troops. The Medal of Honor series features a military hero and is part biography and part informational text. With details explaining the hierarchy of the US Army and its divisions, the black and white photos and small inserts throughout the chapters keep the text interesting. Despite its slim size, this is not an easy read. Prior knowledge of World War II is necessary to be able to jump into the military exploits of 1942. End pages include key names and terms, notes and a selected biography. This would appear to be a high demand series as most middle school collections tend to see high traffic surrounding wars of the past.

Grades 6 and up.

[Nathan Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Estrada



Medal Of Honor


This book was amazing. I love WW2. I love the history about WW2. When I was reading this book, this really amazed me how so many people lost their lives to fight the Nazi’s . Jack Montgomery is a huge role model to me because people who go in the army, should be a role model because they are going into war. But this person's story was huge. I feel like this person is a person who loves America and will like to fight in the war. I like how the author wrote about this person and gave so much facts about him. This a good book. People have to read it . 10 out of 10 !!!

[Vanet Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book such as the Thunderbird Army symbol and the 45th Army Division which was all Native Americans during WWII. And a James Bond like British spy scheme that made a huge impact on the course of events.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, easy read about Medal of Honor recipient Jack Montgomery. Read for work book club. I wanted to get a sense for this new biography series. Would appeal to fans of I Survived.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great concise young readers intro to WWII and the life and exploits of 1LT Jack C. Montgomery, who won the Medal of Honor after the Battle of Anzio in Italy.

[Joe Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book for kids and young adults to learn about both an American hero, and the backstory of his life and the war.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a perfectly crafted masterpiece.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story about a WWII battle --totally enjoyed it.

[Emily Insall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good informative book for kids

[Sally Kruger]

Author Michael P. Spradlin has released a new series titled MEDAL OF HONOR. The first book in the series is JACK MONTGOMERY: WORLD WAR II-GALLANTRY AT ANZIO. Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy and the chance to review it.

First Lieutenant Jack Montgomery was born in Oklahoma in 1917. He joined the National Guard and become part of a unit comprised of most Native American soldiers. After attending college and earning a Bachelor's degree in physical education, he went back to his National Guard unit. He was discharged after the required year of service in 1941.

With the attack on Pearl Harbor and the involvement of the United States in the European war, Montgomery ended up serving his country on the front lines in Sicily and Italy. His platoon saw action as the Allied troops worked their way up the Italian peninsula.

It was in the attack on Anzio that Montgomery earned his Medal of Honor. He single-handedly took out three machine gun nests, killing German soldiers while taking others captive. The remaining 20 or so soldiers in his platoon had him to thank for their lives. Montgomery was severely injured but went on to recover and accept his medal from President Franklin Roosevelt in January 1945.

The MEDAL OF HONOR series will feature some of the 3,500 soldiers who have received the honor since its creation during the Civil War. Author Michael P. Spradlin tells the story of Jack Montgomery's experiences and heroism on the battlefield and also sprinkles in photographs and colorful details of World War II throughout the text. History buffs are sure to enjoy this new series. It is perfect for middle grade and even high school readers and could be used to supplement history lessons about the time periods. Stay tuned for a review of Book #2 about Ryan Pitts, a soldier in Afghanistan.