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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) John D. H. McDonough (ASN: 0-28183), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States at the Command and General Staff College from September 1966 until June 1969, at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe from July 1969 through July 1972, and at Headquarters United States Army Air Defense Command from August 1972 until his retirement in May 1973. Throughout this period, Colonel McDonough consistently displayed exceptional initiative and outstanding resourcefulness in performing his myriad responsibilities. His innovative approach to problem areas and persistent drive resulted in the resolution of many actins previously at an impasse. His contributions to the high caliber instruction at the Command and General Staff College were notable. His participation in planning at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe resulted in an improved NATO Alert System. And lastly, through his direction, markedly improved techniques of management have been applied throughout the United States Army Air Defense Command which have resulted in significant improvements in both efficiency and economy being realized. Lieutenant Colonel McDonough’s exemplary performance of duty during this period and throughout a distinguished career of more than 28 years of dedicated service represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    37th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 7, 1950
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 79 (October 25, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) John D. H. McDonough (ASN: 0-28183), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 September 1950, in the vicinity of Sibi-Ri, Korea. On this date he was serving as a Field Artillery Observer attached to Company G, 38th Infantry Regiment, which was attacking Hill 285 against the strong opposition of approximately 200 well-entrenched enemy. He preceded the attacking infantry up the steep slope by 20 yards while under intense enemy machine gun, mortar, and small arms fire. During the entire attack he kept in communication with the artillery liaison officer and transmitted firing directions. His accurate information on enemy activity and his adjustment of artillery support caused the destruction of an enemy machine gun nest and many casualties among the enemy, permitting the infantry to capture it’s objective with a minimum of casualties. Throughout this entire operation he displayed a complete disregard for his personal safety and further aided the infantry by firing his weapon in close-in fighting and throwing hand grenades. The high devotion to duty and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant McDonough on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.