On January 7, 1945, the 508^th PIR launched a counterattack designed to destroy the German forces remaining in the bulge, penetrate the Siegfried Line, and seize the west shore of the Roer River.  We fought through deep snow, on bitter cold sunless days without shelter or food,

At least 40% of the 508^th PIR casualties were caused by the bitter cold and our inability to evacuate the wounded - many men died while waiting for evacuation. I was one of the fortunate few evacuated with severely frozen feet.

I ended WW II in Heddernheim, Germany, a small suburb of Frankfurt. 

We provided the security force and honor guard for General Eisenhower’s headquarters in Frankfurt.

I was separated from the Army November 7, 1945 at Fort Bragg, NC.”

James T. Wynne earned:

·        Bronze Star Medal

·        Purple Heart Medal

·        Invasion Arrowhead

·        Combat Infantry Badge

·        Three battle stars

·        Parachute Qualification badge with star for the Normandy combat jump

·        Presidential Unit Citation

·        French and Belgium Fourrageres

·        Numerous defense medals - including the Occupation Medal with Germany Bar. 

Jim says. “I returned to Virginia Beach and my job with the Telephone Company.  I married Paxina on March 21, 1978, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.”

Jim and Paxina actively participated in church and civic activities, and supported 82nd Airborne Division and 508^th PIR Association activities.