John J. McGinty III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John J. McGinty III
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John J. McGinty, III, Medal of Honor recipient
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| Birth name | John James McGinty III |
| Born | January 21, 1940 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | January 17, 2014 (aged 73) Beaufort, South Carolina |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1957 - 1976 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Captain John James McGinty III (born January 21, 1940 – died January 17, 2014) was a brave officer in the United States Marine Corps. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned this award for his amazing actions in July 1966 during the Vietnam War.
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Early Life and Joining the Marines
John McGinty was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 21, 1940. He finished elementary school in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1955. After attending high school for a year and a half, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps Reserve in February 1957.
Starting Active Duty
After serving in the Marine Corps Reserve, John McGinty joined the Marine Corps for active duty in March 1958. His journey began with recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. This is where new Marines learn basic soldiering skills.
He then moved on to advanced infantry combat training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. In September 1957, he was promoted to private first class. He served as a rifleman before joining active duty.
Moving Up the Ranks
In May 1958, Private First Class McGinty completed a leadership school for noncommissioned officers. He was then sent to Kodiak, Alaska, where he served until May 1959. While in Alaska, he was promoted to Corporal in September 1958.
In June 1959, he joined the 1st Marine Division. He worked as a rifleman leader and later as a squad leader. After returning to the United States, he served in Norfolk, Virginia, until March 1962.
From there, he became a Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. He helped train new recruits. In August 1962, he was promoted to Sergeant.
Serving in Vietnam
From November 1964 to December 1965, Sergeant McGinty worked as an Assistant Brig Warden in Norfolk, Virginia. In April 1966, he was sent to the Republic of Vietnam with the 4th Marines.
During his time in Vietnam, he served in several important roles, including platoon sergeant and platoon commander. It was in 1966, during a military operation called Operation Hastings, that Sergeant McGinty showed incredible bravery. His actions during this time led to him receiving the Medal of Honor.
After his service in Vietnam, he returned to the United States in May 1967. He continued to serve as a drill instructor. On August 8, 1967, he was promoted to second lieutenant.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
On March 12, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson personally presented the Medal of Honor to Second Lieutenant McGinty. The ceremony took place at the White House. Another brave Marine, Robert J. Modrzejewski, also received the Medal of Honor that day.
Captain McGinty retired from the Marine Corps in October 1976, after many years of dedicated service.
Later Life and Passing
After retiring from the Marine Corps, John McGinty lived in Beaufort, South Carolina. He passed away at his home on January 17, 2014, due to illness. He was laid to rest at Beaufort National Cemetery.
A Special Pistol Returned
Captain McGinty's M1911 pistol, which was mentioned in his Medal of Honor award, was stolen from a display in 1978. Many years later, in 2011, a history enthusiast named George Berry bought the pistol at an auction. He noticed a name engraved on it and contacted McGinty.
George Berry then returned the pistol to its rightful owner, Captain McGinty. To show his thanks, McGinty sent Berry another M1911 pistol that had belonged to another Medal of Honor recipient, John William Finn. He also sent a special Medal of Honor challenge coin.
Awards and Honors
Captain John J. McGinty III received many awards for his bravery and service. His most notable award was the Medal of Honor.
List of Awards
- Medal of Honor
- Purple Heart
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Presidential Unit Citation
- Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars
- Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm
- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Special Recognition
On May 19, 2004, the South Carolina General Assembly passed a special resolution. This resolution praised Captain John J. McGinty III for his "extraordinary heroism" during the Vietnam War. It recognized his incredible bravery and the Medal of Honor he received.
See also
