Senator Stabenow Announces Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient James “Doc” McCloughan as Her State of the Union Guest

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced that her guest for the 2018 State of the Union address will be James “Doc” McCloughan, a Vietnam veteran and South Haven native who last year received the Congressional Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest military honor.  Legislation passed by Senator Stabenow and signed into law by President Obama made McCloughan eligible for the Congressional Medal of Honor.

“I am so honored to have hero Jim McCloughan as my guest for this year’s State of the Union address,” said Senator Stabenow.  “I invited Jim not only to recognize his acts of heroism on the battlefield, but for being a hero to countless young people over the years as a coach, teacher, mentor and community leader.”

“I am humbled and honored to be the guest of Senator Stabenow to the State of the Union address,” said Jim McCloughan. “Debbie Stabenow is a principled hard worker who is dedicated to our veterans, the residents of Michigan and the nation at large.”

Medal of Honor recipients must be honored within five years of the act of heroism justifying the award.  The legislation passed by Senators Stabenow and Peters waived the five-year requirement and made it possible for the President to award the Medal of Honor to McCloughan.  U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow attended the Medal of Honor Ceremony for James McCloughan at the White House on July 31, 2017. 

Then-Private First Class McCloughan was highly decorated, receiving the Combat Medical 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.  McCloughan was discharged with the rank of Specialist (SP5).  Following his service in Vietnam, McCloughan taught at South Haven High School and coached football, baseball and wrestling.  Upon his retirement in 2008, McCloughan was awarded the Michigan Education Association’s 40 years of Service Award.