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The rhythm of the train ride from NYC to South Station in Boston lets the tension slip away. It is a frigid November morning as the journey winds along the northeast coast. Waiting at the station is Jim McDonough’s son Michael who, born only a couple of years before his father’s death, knows little about the man he calls his father. His heart gets heavy, he says, when he thinks about his dad, although he has no memory of the man. Other than Jim’s mother and brother, Michael has had little contact with those who knew Jim. He waits at the train station to have lunch and hear the tales told by an old and close friend of his dad.</p>
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<em>James Michael ‘Jim’ McDonough Jr.</em> was born on Nov 29, 1939, in Portland, ME, the son of James M. McDonough Sr. and Catherine Towsey. There Jim attended Cheverus High School. After a year at the University of Maine, Jim earned his appointment to the United States Military Academy. When Jim entered West Point he survived the rigors of the first day of Beast Barracks and went on to a highly successful stint at the Academy. A sound athlete, Jim ran track, played handball, and skied. He was a mainstay of Company B-1 intramural athletics as well. Jim was known for his debating skills as a member of the Debate Council and Forum. He was elected to the Hop Committee as his company representative and made sure the social scene never lacked for attention.</p>
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On Jun 6, 1962, Jim graduated and, along with his classmates, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army Infantry. Shortly after, Jim was honored to marry the love of his life, Lucy Malec.</p>
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As it was for many of his classmates, Fort Benning, GA, was Jim’s first stop. There, among the tall pines and red Georgia clay, Jim successfully completed the Basic Infantry Officer’s Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School. Then it was off to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii where Jim would serve with the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment (Cacti Blue) of the 25th Infantry Division.</p>
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Jim and Lucy loved Hawaii, and it was there that Michael was born. Looking across the lunch table, it was hard for the old man to realize that the baby he had often held on his shoulder in Hawaii was now fully grown. Between jungle training and routine military training, Jim and Lucy found the time to enjoy the warm island beaches, to surf, and to be the loving parents that they were. Jim and Lucy always enjoyed a good party, and the young officers and wives would frequently gather at the Officer’s Club or at each other’s homes for fun, but inexpensive times.</p>
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Jim had a bit of the entrepreneur in him. He, who owned a large German Shepard named Prince, and I, who owned a diminutive female named Tiki, decided to join forces as it were and produce a litter of pups that could each be sold for a hefty price. We had no experience in “animal husbandry,” nor did Prince and Tiki have any experience in affairs of the heart. Nonetheless, after much coaxing using rubber gloves swiped from Lucy’s kitchen, the act was consummated. Lucy observed the sidesplitting scene from the kitchen window and was ruthless in her ribbing of the men. Tiki delivered a healthy litter of a dozen or so, and the two families enjoyed a slight, but welcome, increase in revenue.</p>
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Many Americans who ended up serving in Vietnam grew up in the 1950s watching western movies in which the stagecoach driver always had another armed man sitting next riding “shotgun” for protection against armed bandits. It’s not surprising that military leaders in the 1960s had that in mind when in late 1962 they chose the name “Operation Shotgun” when they assigned Jim’s infantry division to one of the most dangerous programs of the Vietnam war. Jim volunteered for this hazardous mission and led his platoon of volunteer door gunners to combat in Vietnam.</p>
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Jim returned safely to Hawaii and his family. Then, in early 1966, the entire 25th Infantry Division was deployed to Vietnam. Jim’s unit was sent to Pleiku in the Central Highlands where he initially served as S4 of the battalion. Jim’s excellent leadership skills next landed him the job of A Company commander. He took to the jungle with his unit in search of the North Vietnamese Army.</p>
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On Aug 2, 1966, while Jim’s unit was on patrol in the Ia Drang Valley, they encountered a strong element of the enemy forces. Company A came under fire and began sustaining casualties. Without concern for his own safety, Jim rushed to the aid of his wounded comrades. He himself was mortally wounded, dying a hero’s death in service to his country. Among other well-­earned honors, Jim was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action and the Purple Heart.</p>
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Jim is survived by his son Michael and his brother Ed. Jim and Lucy are now reunited in eternal peace. A man of greater morality and goodness than Jim rarely graces our presence. Michael may have come away from lunch that day with a better idea of just how wonderful a father he had. Perhaps knowing that now makes Michael’s heart a bit lighter.</p>
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Well done my friend.</p>