Vietnam is like a bad dream, and most Americans do not want to talk about it, as it was a colossal defeat for American arms at the hands of the North Vietnamese army. But sometimes strange incidents come out from the past, and one’s attention is riveted to a war that should never have been lost. An army medic James McClougham has revived memories of the Vietnam War, and after 48 years the army has recognized his exceptional bravery when he risked his life to save his fellow soldiers under attack from the Vietnamese army.
Yesterday, President Trump awarded him the Medal of Honor, the highest US award for bravery in the face of the enemy.
The award was delayed for years because of a provision that gallantry awards cannot be awarded beyond five years of the event. This was changed when Obama was the president, and the decks were cleared for McClougham to receive the award.
Emotion overcame McClougham and only mouthed a "thank you" as Trump placed the blue ribbon holding the medal around the neck of the former Army soldier. The president shook his hand and then embraced him. Militarynews.com reports this news
James McClaugham
McLoughan was a 23-year-old when he was drafted into the army in 1969 and was assigned for duty to Vietnam. He found himself in the middle of a bitter battle at Nui Yon Hill. He showed exceptional bravery and despite being injured saved the lives of many soldiers.
Presently the veteran lives a retired life in South Haven, Michigan. In an interview with Associated Press, the veteran recalled his experience of the war and how those two days were the “worst of his life.”
The Pentagon says Army medic James McCloughan saved the lives of 10 members of his company. https://t.co/6dG6nHts7V
— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) July 31, 2017
Awarded the Bronze star
McClaugham for reasons that are not clear now ended up being awarded the Bronze Star when after the battle, his commander had recommended him for the Distinguished Service Cross, which falls second in the hierarchy to the Medal of Honor.
He ended up being awarded the Bronze Star which is fourth on the list of combat awards. In 2009, his commander pushed his case again and this time the powers that be smiled on him.
Finally honored
In 2016, Defense Secretary Ash Carter recommended McLuhan for the Medal of Honor. But as the five-year stipulation was still on the statute books it had to be first repealed, for him to get the award. Before all the paperwork could be completed Obama had finished his term, and it was left to Trump to honor the veteran. The old saying"better late than never" aptly sums up the entire case
