Date of Award: July 31, 2017
Conflict: Vietnam War
Branch: U.S. Army

James C. McCloughan was born in South Haven, Michigan, April 30, 1946.

McCloughan reported to basic training in September 1968 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. His training in athletics and coaching gave him a foundational knowledge of sports medicine, and his leaders took notice. Two months after arriving at basic training, he was assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to complete advanced training as a medical specialist. On his last day of training, McCloughan received deployment orders to Vietnam. He was assigned as a combat medic with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. His Vietnam tour was from March 1969 to March 1970.

James C. McCloughan distinguished himself during 48 hours of close-combat fighting against enemy forces, May 13-15, 1969. At the time, then-Pfc. McCloughan was serving as a combat medic with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.

McCloughan, who was discharged with the rank of Specialist (SP5), was highly decorated. He received the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, the U. S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the M16 Expert Rifle Badge.

To learn more about Spc. 5 James C. McCloughan, please visit the U.S. Army Website.