WASHINGTON, D.C. – Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, along with U.S. Representative Fred Upton have announced legislation is on its way to President Obama to honor a South Haven veteran with the Medal of Honor.
The lawmakers announced that the National Defense Authorization Act passed last Friday and as part of it, made Vietnam War veteran James McCloughan eligible for the Medal of Honor.
According to a press release from Congress, McCloughan served as a medic and saved ten members of his platoon during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill in a three day battle May 13-15, 1969. McCloughan 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.
Medal of Honor recipients normally must be honored within five years of their act of heroism, but the legislation that was passed waives that requirement. The Department of Defense recently recommended the award for McCloughan.
McCloughan is a current resident of South Haven.
