James C. McCloughan - Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
President Trump awards the Medal of Honor to former Army Spc. 5 James C. McCloughan, for conspicuous gallantry during the Vietnam War in a ceremony at the White House, July 31, 2017.
James McCloughan is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Hailing from Bangor, Michigan, Jim's journey is filled with extraordinary experiences as a wrestling coach, basketball coach, and combat medic during the Vietnam War. With humility and gratitude, Jim shares his inspiring story, highlighting the importance of love, service, and resilience. From Michigan to Vietnam: Jim's roots trace back to Michigan where he was raised by his grandparents. Despite humble beginnings, he pursued education and sports, excelling in football, wrestling, and basketball.
History:
Jim attended Olivet College, where he played multiple sports while battling skepticism about his hometown's pronunciation - Bangor, not Banger! A Call to Serve: Drafted into the army during the Vietnam War, Jim's dreams of becoming a teacher and coach were put on hold. Basic training at Fort Knox and medical training at Fort Sam Houston prepared him for the life-saving role he was about to undertake. Little did he know that the battlefield would test him physically, emotionally, and morally. The Battles and Sacrifices: Jim recounts the intense battles where he worked tirelessly as a combat medic, witnessing both triumphs and tragedies.
The story of the Battle for Nuiyan Hill stands out as a demonstration of his courage and dedication. Outnumbered 30 to 1, Jim's actions amidst chaos and danger saved numerous lives. The toll of war weighed heavy on his heart, especially when he took a life and had to confront the harrowing reality of combat.
Life Lessons and Legacy:
Through his experiences, Jim learned valuable life lessons that he shared with countless students and athletes during his career as a teacher and coach. His most important lesson was the power of expressing love and appreciation.
Jim encourages those listening to reach out to someone and say, "I love you," explaining that it is a small gesture but carries tremendous meaning. He emphasizes the importance of serving others and finding joy in giving. Recognition and Reflection: Jim's journey from the battlefield to the halls of Congress is nothing short of remarkable. The process of receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor was a long one, spanning almost 50 years. Jim emphasizes that the medal belongs to all the brave men he served with, recognizing their sacrifices and the impact they had on his life.
Jim McClellan's story serves as a testament to the resilience and courage of those who serve in the military. With humility, gratitude, and a genuine love for his country, Jim inspires listeners to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities America provides. His message of love, service, and resilience resonates deeply, reminding us of the power of human connection. Jim McClellan truly epitomizes the values and spirit of a true American hero and storyteller.
