Captain James Fredrick Redford | New Mexico State University

Silver Star / Bronze Star

James Fredrick Redford was born to Fritz and Bess Redford on April 22, 1920. He was raised in El Paso Texas and attended Cathedral HS. He enrolled at NMAMC in 1936 and attended for four years studying Mechanical Engineering. While at school he played football, basketball and was active in school activities. He also met his wife, the former June Brooks 39’-42’, and they were married in July 1940. In Jan 1941 he received his commission in the US Army reserve and in March of 1941 he was called to active duty and sent to Fort Knox for armor school. After several assignments he assumed command of B Company, 749th Tank Battalion in November 1942. The unit was deployed to England in January 1944, where it trained for the eventual invasion of Europe. They landed at Normandy in late June 1944 and within a week’s time found themselves in combat. On July 3, 1944, Captain Redford was reconnoitering in front of his own lines near Denneville France when he was struck in the chest by small arms fire.

Upon regaining consciousness he realized that the lines had shifted and found himself cut off by the enemy. He managed to regain US lines and was shipped to England for recovery of his wounds. On September 17, 1944 he returned to his unit and on October 17, 1944, again assumed command. He was awarded the Bronze Star for actions between October 14th and 20th. On December 11, 1944, Captain Redford was in command of his company, which at that time was attached to the 324th near Petit Rederching France. In the midst of an ongoing tank battle for the control of the town, Captain Redford left his tank to direct fire from a Tank Destroyer on German Mark IV’s which were on high ground 1400 yards away. They got off two rounds before the Germans spotted their presence and fired. Captain Redford was struck by an 88 tank round at his waist just above his left leg. He survived long enough to be carried to an aid station where he died. For his actions he would receive the Silver Star. It is reported by some that he lived long enough to ask that they tell his wife that he loved her and goodbye. Captain James F Redford is today buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery in France. He was survived by his wife and their son, Jimmie. James F Redford was 24 years of age at the time of his death.