VFW Magazine has and interesting story on “Medics in Vietnam.”
I always wonder about these decorations that they decide to award decades later.
We were called out for an awards ceremony at Benning in ‘69 for a DSC awarded for action 25 years earlier.
I wonder what changes/happens in the interim?
what an honor to have President trump place the Medal of Honor around the neck of a brave American hero...
it must have been awful to have the America hating Obama do the same to the others in the past...
There is a whole shop in the pentagon dedicated to old uniforms and insignia.
I’ve never seen a President who seems to have such a deep, profound and meaningful bond with our Vets.
Perhaps the last 4 traitors in the WH has lowered my expectations , but Trump truly loves our greatest people
“President Donald Trump will be putting that on me for the first time in his experience of doing such a thing,” McCloughan said. “That’s pretty special.”
Very special. This story brought tears to my eyes.
2d ID Vet, Thank you for posting this story. As for the Spec 5 rank, there are several companies that produce historic unit patches and insignia of rank, primarily for the re-enactor market, but they are available.
Vietnam Medic receives MOH Ping
Salute!
Maybe someone got real busy and sewed one up, . . .
Army navy surplus
Here’s the story in his hometown paper:
Jim McCloughan to receive Congressional Medal of Honor today from President Trump
By BECKY KARK
Editor and general manager, The South Haven (Michigan) Tribune
Jim McCloughan’s Vietnam War buddies refer to him as “Doc” for his courageous actions as a medic. Today, President Donald Trump will be referring to McCloughan as America’s latest recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
It was May 25th that McCloughan received a phone call at home from the President himself letting “Doc” know he would receive the medal.
In an interview with Army Times, McCloughan recalled saying to the President, “Can my wife pick up another phone?”
Trump allowed her to and proceeded to spend 10-15 minutes talking with McCloughan.
Monday, the two men will be face to face at the White House where McCloughan, his wife, Cherie, and other immediate family members will witness the President giving the former Army medic the U.S. Military’s highest honor for valor during combat.
McCloughan was 23 years old during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill on May 13-15, 1969. Under heavy fire, he saved the lives of 10 fellow platoon members. He received many military awards and honors, including two Purple Hearts, but the Congressional Medal of Honor eluded him until his former platoon leader sent in a request in 2009 that he receive the Distinguished Service Cross, according to the Army Times. However, then Defense Secretary Larry Ash upgraded the request to the Medal of Honor.
But there was one hitch. The medal could only be awarded within five years of a military personnel’s lifesaving actions.
That glitch was resolved in 2016 when President Barack Obama signed legislation proposed by Michigan lawmakers Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Gary Peters and Rep. Fred Upton, allowing for the exception.
Since being informed that he would receive the Medal of Honor, McCloughan has been a busy man.
“He’s been writing a lot of speeches,” said McCloughan’s uncle, Jack McCloughan of South Haven, referring to the dozens of organizaitons the Medal of Honor recipient has been asked to speak to. “But Jim likes being busy.”
Jim McCloughan also has been interviewed by state and national news outlets, including 60 Minutes, whose film crew came to McCloughan’s South Haven home in June where he was interviewed along with several of the soldiers he saved during the Vietnam War.
“I’m waiting proudly and anxiously to see the show,” Jack McCloughan said.
Jack McCloughan watched his nephew and his two brothers grow up over the years and said he wasn’t a bit surprised that Jim would risk his own life to save others during the Vietnam War.
“It doesn’t come as a surprise at all,” Jack McCloughan said. “My brother (Scotty McCloughan) raised his boys to do what had to be done in whatever situation they were in.”
That was my rank when I got out. I’d like to get hold of a few patches as I have only a couple left.
I still have my spec 5 insignia for my dress greens.
Salute to this brave hero!
Thanks for posting. We need so many more of these great stories. God Bless our military! God Bless America!