CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (January 29, 2021) – The National History Club will be hosting Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam Medic Specialist Jim McCloughan on an incredibly special Zoom® call, the evening of Tuesday, February 2, from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm with students from every corner of the United States. Joining on the call will be Executive Director of the National History Club Bob Nasson along with Director of Education at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center Hannah Sher. Together they will set the stage for the evening with a brief background of the speaker and of the Medal of Honor itself.
“It’s a privilege to support the National History Club and this unique opportunity to hear Jim McCloughan’s riveting story,” said Sher. “The Medal of Honor defines the meaning of putting service over self, which has been an especially relevant lesson for students in the last year. At the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, we will continue to inspire the future generations with the history and values of the Medal of Honor, both at the heritage center and virtually.”
“I weaved and sprinted through the fire and slid in next to him like I was sliding into second base.” James McCloughan recalling the hot landing zone and tending to the wounded
Excerpt from James C McCloughan’s Official Citation:
“Private First Class James C. McCloughan distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty from May 13 – 15, 1969, while serving as a combat medic…. During the morning darkness of May 15th, Private First Class McCloughan knocked out a rocket propelled grenade position with a grenade, fought and eliminated enemy soldiers, treated numerous casualties, kept two critically wounded Soldiers alive during the night, and organized the dead and wounded for evacuation at daylight. His timely and courageous actions were instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow Soldiers.”
Area coordinator for the event is John C. Garner, Ed. S., history teacher and National History Club sponsor at Temple High School in Temple, GA. “Honoring our veterans, who sacrifice so much for us each and every day, should be at the forefront of everything that we do in educating our youth about American history. With that in mind we are excited to bring the legendary story of one of our American heroes who went above and beyond when asked to stand in our place during the Vietnam War. I know that students and teachers associated with the National History Club will leave with a profound understanding of what the Medal of Honor stands for with this first-person account of personal bravery and self-sacrifice,” shared Garner.
A link will be sent out to several thousand history clubs across the nation where students and teachers will join in on the night of the event. Along with the link, additional information about this American hero will be sent out for students to view prior to the meeting in preparation for a live question and answer session to be held at the end of the engagement.
If you have any questions, or if someone you know would be interested in this event, please contact Mr. John Garner at john.garner@carrollcountyschools.com. Please provide your name and contact information to be included in the Zoom call. In the meantime, feel free to check out the link here to learn more about Mr. McCloughan.
Located in downtown Chattanooga at the TN Aquarium Plaza, the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is a 19,000-square-foot facility featuring dynamic exhibits that tell the real-life stories of the Medal of Honor recipients and how they exemplify six common character traits which represent the highest ideals of our country: Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment. Through these incredible stories of bravery and valor, visitors leave with the conviction that they too can be a hero by emulating these values in their daily actions to help make their community a better place.
The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is open Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00am – 3:30pm. For admission rates and tickets please visit MOHHC.org/visit.
For more information on education programs, special exhibits, events, and annual memberships, please visit www.MOHHC.org or call 423-877-2525.
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