Awards and recognition
Despite Simmons’ untimely death, his bravery did not go unnoticed. In his short lifetime, he was awarded with the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and Navy Expeditionary awards. Simmons was awarded with the Purple Heart medal because he expressed bravery and was wounded in battle, the Combat Action Ribbon because he was an active serviceman between 1941 and 1961, the World War II Victory Medal because he participated in World War II, the American Campaign Medal for serving in the American Theatre of Operations, the Distinguished Unit Citation because he exhibited acts of heroism, the Good Conduct Medal for exemplary behavior, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal to recognize his bravery in the second World War, and the Navy Expeditionary award for his participation in expeditions.
Commemoration
The bravery and service of James Edward Simmons is commemorated in the cemeteries of the Wall of the Missing Tablets in Normandy, France and Long Beach, Mississippi. He was remembered by his war brothers and remaining family. Unfortunately, the Simmons’ could never mourn a body, but his spirit and sacrifice will never be forgotten.