Whatever success McCarthy may have had in weeding out communists, I believe that it is generally accepted that he claimed falsely to have been a tailgunner in World War II and that he may not actually have had a list of 205 communists when he made his Wheeling speech. Perhaps someone can also comment on whether these items are true and how they should be seen in an overall interpretation of McCarthy.
Apparently Admiral Nimitz thought that McCarthy was a tailgunner.
Admiral Chester Nimitz, commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet, issued the following citation regarding the service of Captain McCarthy:
For meritorious and efficient performance of duty as an observer and rear gunner of a dive bomber attached to a Marine scout bombing squadron operating in the Solomon Islands area from September 1 to December 31, 1943. He participated in a large number of combat missions, and in addition to his regular duties, acted as aerial photographer. He obtained excellent photographs of enemy gun positions, despite intense anti-aircraft fire, thereby gaining valuable information which contributed materially to the success of subsequent strikes in the area. Although suffering from a severe leg injury, he refused to be hospitalized and continued to carry out his duties as Intelligence Officer in a highly efficient manner. His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.
I dunno.... you think Admiral Nimitz was delirious or something?