SOUTH HAVEN, MICH. (WKZO-AM) – Michigan’s two U.S. Senators and St. Joseph Congressman Fred Upton are collaborating on legislation that would make it possible for a Vietnam veteran from South Haven to receive the nation’s highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.
The Department of Defense has already recommended that James C. McCloughan receive the award for acts of heroism during the battle of Nui Yon Hill in Vietnam in 1969. During that battle McCloughhan, an army medic, saved the lives of ten members of his platoon when they were wounded.
Sen. Gary Peters says he “acted without regard to his own safety to treat and rescue his fellow service members in the heat of battle.”
“Nearly 50 years ago, Private First Class James McCloughan acted heroically to save the lives of his fellow service members, and it’s time that he finally receives the recognition he deserves,” Sen. Debbie Stabenow said.
There is just one hitch. Medal of Honor recipients must be awarded within five years of the act of courage. The bills sponsored by the three legislators in the House and Senate would waive that requirement.
Private First Class McCloughan is already a highly decorated veteran. He has received the Combat Medical Badge, two purple hearts, two bronze stars with “V” device for valor, the U.S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palms and one oak leaf cluster and the M16 Expert Rifle Badge.
