Medal of Honor Books

Heroes in the War on Terrorism

NAVY    -  MARINES   -  AIR FORCE   - ARMY O.E.F.  - ARMY O.I.F.

These books contain the citations for nearly all of the awards of the Silve Star and higher to members of each branch of service in the War on Terrorism. Books include photos of most recipients, some biographical data, analysis of awards by rank, unit, date, and more.

ENCYCLOPEDIA of AMERICAN MILITARY HEROES

Arlington National Cemetery
  34-208 

BORN:  November 19, 1925 at Wichita, KS

Entered Service in the US Navy from Thermal, CA

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Vietnam War For heroism on June 08 & 09, 1967 at At Sea in International Waters, Mediterranean

Sailing in international waters in the Eastern Mediterranean, the USS Liberty was attacked without warning by jet fighter aircraft and motor torpedo boats which inflicted many casualties among the crew and caused extreme damage to the ship. Although wounded during the first air attack, Captain McGonagle remained at his battle station. Steadfastly refusing any treatment which would take him away from his post, he calmly continued to exercise firm command of his ship. Despite continuous exposure to fire, he maneuvered his ship, directed its defense, supervised the control of flooding and fire, and saw to the care of the casualties. His extraordinary valor inspired the surviving members of the crew, many of them seriously wounded, to heroic efforts to overcome the battle damage and keep the ship afloat. Subsequent to the attack, although in great pain and weak from the loss of blood, he remained at his battle station and continued to command his ship for more than 17 hours. It was only after rendezvous with a U.S. destroyer that he relinquished personal control of the ship and permitted himself to be removed from the bridge. Even then, he refused medical attention until convinced that the seriously wounded among his crew had been treated.