President Trump will award his first Medal of Honor to Vietnam veteran James C. McCloughan, the White House announced Tuesday.
McCloughan earned the award for his actions during a 48-hour close-combat fight near Don Que, Vietnam. He served as a private first class combat medic during the battle, which lasted from May 13 to 15, 1969.
“McCloughan, then 23 years old, voluntarily risked his life on nine separate occasions to rescue wounded and disoriented comrades,” the White House press release said. “He suffered wounds from shrapnel and small arms fire on three separate occasions, but refused medical evacuation to stay with his unit, and continued to brave enemy fire to rescue, treat, and defend wounded Americans.”
Now 71, McCloughan is a member of the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame after spending 40 years teaching and coaching at South Haven High School in Michigan.
The Medal of Honor is awarded to Armed Forces members who “distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.”
McCloughan will be presented the Medal of Honor on July 31.
