Born in South Haven, MI, Mr. McCloughan was raised in the rural area of Bangor, MI. He graduated from Olivet College in 1968 with a BA in Sociology.
Drafted into the United States Army in 1968, Jim served as a combat medic with the Americal Division where he rose to the rank of Specialist Five. In one battle alone “Doc” McCloughan has been credited with moving into the “kill zone” on ten occasions, saving ten American lives and one Vietnamese interpreter’s life. Specialist McCloughan was highly decorated receiving the Combat Medic Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with “V” device for valor, The U. S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, The National Defense Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal with three Battle Stars, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palms and one Oak Leaf Cluster and the M16 Expert Rifle Badge. In 2017, Jim was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest military commendation.
In 1970, upon returning home from service to our country, Mr. McCloughan resumed his contract with South Haven Public Schools and in 1972 earned a MA in counseling. Remaining with South Haven High School for thirty eight years, Jim taught psychology and sociology while coaching football, wrestling, baseball, and American Legion Baseball. As a MHSAA wrestling official, he was selected to referee eighteen MI Wrestling State Finals. Jim has been inducted into three athletic halls of fame, plus the MI High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, the MI High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, and the MI High School Coaches Hall of Fame which represents coaches from all boys’ and girls’ sports. In June 2019, Jim was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Some of Jim’s other prestigious awards: The Wolverine Conference Distinguished Service Award; The Olivet College Distinguished Alumni Award, The Olivet College Leadership Award, DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal, The Paul Harris Fellow Award by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, The 2017 State of Michigan Veteran of The Year Award, The 2018 Department of Michigan Legionnaire of The Year Award, 2017 MI Fitness Foundation Governor’s Award – Veteran of the Year, The Peaceful Warrior’s Foundation Military and Career Service Award, and induction into The US Pentagon Hall of Heroes.
Since retirement Jim has remained dedicated to his community and the nation, as a member of non-profit organizations, serving multiple charitable projects, assuming roles on boards and preforming as a vocalist. Representing the Medal of Honor, Jim speaks across the nation. He also has served as the Vice President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, chair of the Valor Outreach Program, and is the chair of the Character Development Program, designed to instill ethical virtues in America’s youth, plus serving as chair of the CMOH Society Citizen Awards committee.
He and his wife, Chérie, reside in Saugatuck, MI. They have four adult children, seven grandchildren, and two standard poodles.
More information and the citation may be found at the US Army website. One may also view the fifteen-minute, Living History film, on YouTube. By searching James McCloughan on YouTube you may access other videos of Jim speaking or singing patriotic songs.