Daniel T. McCarty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel T. McCarty
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| 31st Governor of Florida | |
| In office January 6, 1953 – September 28, 1953 |
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| Preceded by | Fuller Warren |
| Succeeded by | Charley E. Johns |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives | |
| In office 1937–1941 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 18, 1912 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | September 28, 1953 (aged 41) Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. |
| Resting place | Palms Cemetery, Ankona, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Olie Brown
(m. 1940) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Bronze Star Purple Heart Legion of Merit Croix de Guerre |
Daniel Thomas McCarty (born January 18, 1912 – died September 28, 1953) was an important American politician. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he even served as its speaker. Later, he became the 31st Governor of Florida.
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Early Life of Dan McCarty
Dan McCarty was born on January 18, 1912, in Fort Pierce, Florida. His parents were Daniel Thomas McCarty and Frances Lardner Moore. His family was well-known in the area.
His grandfather, Charles "C.T." Tobin McCarty, started growing pineapples in St. Lucie County in the 1880s. Dan grew up in a big house near the Indian River.
Dan McCarty's School Days
Dan went to the local public school, Delaware Avenue School. In high school, he was a very active student. He was the captain of the football team. He also worked as the editor-in-chief for the school yearbook. Plus, he was the vice president of his class.
After high school, Dan went to the University of Florida. He was very involved in many groups there. These included Florida Blue Key, Student Government, and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He also joined the ROTC, which trains future military officers.
Life After College
After finishing his education in 1934, McCarty became a cattleman and citrus grower in Fort Pierce. He raised cattle and grew citrus fruits. He married Olie Brown in 1940, and they had three children together.
Military Service in World War II
During World War II, Dan McCarty served in the U.S. Army. He showed great bravery and leadership. He was promoted to the rank of colonel.
He received several important awards for his service. These included the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Legion of Merit. He also received the French Croix de Guerre. He was part of the D-Day landings with the Seventh Army in the South of France.
Honors and Legacy
Dan McCarty has been honored in several ways. Dan McCarty Middle School in St. Lucie County was named after him.
A sabal palm tree was planted at the Florida State Capitol. This was done to honor him because, as governor, he signed a bill making the sabal palm the official state tree of Florida.
