Stabenow, Peters, and Upton Announce Passage of Legislation to Honor Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan

The bill now goes to the desk of the President for his signature

Thursday, December 08, 2016

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), and Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06) announced that legislation to make Vietnam War veteran James C. McCloughan eligible for our nation’s highest military honor – the Medal of Honor – has passed in Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.  The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House of Representatives on December 2nd and cleared the U.S. Senate today.  It now goes to the desk of the President for his signature.  

James McCloughan

Photo of Private First Class James McCloughan during his service in the Army.

Private First Class McCloughan, a native and current resident of South Haven, served as a medic and saved the lives of 10 members of his platoon who were wounded during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill on May 13-15, 1969.  McCloughan was discharged with the rank of Specialist (SP5).  

“We are deeply grateful for Private First Class James McCloughan’s service to our country,” said Senator Stabenow.  “Today, we are one step closer to awarding him the long overdue recognition he deserves.”  

“Private First Class James McCloughan put his life on the line to save his fellow servicemembers, and the passage of this legislation will help ensure his bravery and sacrifice are properly recognized.” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

“This has been a long-time coming,” said Congressman Upton. “And now, thanks to our bipartisan efforts in the House and Senate, we’re closer than ever to getting Private First Class McCloughan, and his family, the recognition he duly earned on the battlefield.”

Jim 196 Brigade Reunion

Photo of Private First Class James “Doc” McCloughan

Medal of Honor recipients must be honored within five years of the act of heroism justifying the award.  The Department of Defense recently recommended that James McCloughan receive this honor. This legislation waives the five-year requirement and when signed into law, will make it possible for the President to award the Medal of Honor to him.

Private First Class McCloughan was highly decorated receiving 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.