Upon completion of high school, James L. Maxwell entered the army. Mr. Maxwell served with the 36th Infantry Division in Europe as a machine gunner. Mr. Maxwell loaded, aimed, and fired, and maintained heavy machine gun to provide fire support of other tactical units. He also estimated ranges and set sights. He was found capable of making rapid and accurate range estimation and determining speed of moving targets. He was trained in use of all basic Infantry hand weapons.

James L. Maxwell was awarded several medals, many of which he did not receive until here recently. These medals include:

*The American Defense medal because of his active duty in a foreign war.

*The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal because of his active duty for at least 30 days and his receipt of combat decoration.

*Two Bronze Stars for heroic and meritorious achievement of service, and holder of an Army Combat Infantryman Badge.

*World War II Victory Medal awarded for victory and service in the United States Armed Forces between 1941 and 1946.

*American Campaign Medal for service outside the U.S. in the American Theater.

*United States Army Bullion Crest.

Medals which he already had received are:

*Good Conduct Medal, For exemplary conduct, efficiency,and fidelity during active enlisted service with the U.S.

*Army during wartime.

*Purple Heart Medal awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces killed or wounded during an armed conflict.

*36th Infantry Division Patch, Texas Patch, With Company "D" 142nd Inf Regt 36th div. and Army Combat Infantry Badge.

Here's Leonard Maxwell (on the right) receiving an award from the Bowdon Historical society. This award was given to Him on May 8, 2001. The award and speech was given to him by Carroll County Commissioner Robert Barr. May 8 was declared Leonard Maxwell day in Carroll County.