Wrestler, coach and official McCloughan presented Medal of Honor

By Richard Immel
USA Wrestling
On July 31, President Trump awarded South Haven, Mich. native James McCloughan the Medal of Honor, the most prestigious personal military decoration, for his acts of bravery and valor on the battlefield while serving the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

The 71-year-old McCloughan risked his life repeatedly to save 10 fellow American soldiers in the May 1969 Battle of Nui Yon Hill. McCloughan was a private first class at the time of these events and rose to a rank of specialist five during his military career. He received the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars prior to the Medal of Honor.

President Trump spoke to McCloughan’s heroics at the White House ceremony by saying, "It was as if the strength and the pride of our whole nation were beating inside Jim's heart.”

McCloughan was entrenched in the wrestling community as a four-year participant in the sport at Olivet College before coaching wrestling at South Haven High School for over 20 years.

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