THE WALL OF FACES

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before….

Dear Cpl John McMahon, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Labor Day weekend. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I met Tommy McMahon in kindergarten - that’s what his family called him. He was in high school before he started going by John. I remember liking him from the moment I met him. We hung together off and on during our eight years under the watchful eyes of the Irish Sisters of Charity at St Cornelius Catholic school, and on into high school.

I recall getting a letter from him when he was in jump school at Fort Benning. I think I was through jump school and already at Fort Bragg with 82nd Airborne by that time. I remember thinking how cool it was that we were both paratroopers. He must’ve gone pretty much straight to ‘Nam after jump school, while I was at Bragg for several months before going myself.

I started my tour in June ‘67 as a REMF in 1st Bde/101st HQ at Duc Pho. I knew John was in C Company 2/327. When I knew his company was coming in to stand down I went over to look him up. I asked a guy about him and he just said “He’s still in the field”. It wasn’t until I got mail from home that I knew what that meant.

Now, half a century later, I look at that picture of him so fresh and alive - exactly as I remember him - and it’s all I can do to hold back the sob welling up in my chest. He was as good a friend as a kid could have.

John Thomas McMahon

DATE OF BIRTH: June 24, 1947

HOME OF RECORD:
Long Beach, California



Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Battalion: 2d Battalion (Airborne)
Division: 101st Airborne Division
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, General Orders No. 300 (August 21, 1967)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal [then Private First Class] John Thomas McMahon (ASN: RA-18835118), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 8 June 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. Corporal McMahon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action and personal sacrifice as two platoons of Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, were moving through thickly vegetated mountainous terrain west of Duc Pho on a search and destroy mission when the lead platoon was ambushed by an enemy machine gun position. The initial burst of fire killed one man and seriously wounded the machine gunner and point man. Corporal McMahon, realizing the importance of the machine gun in placing effective suppressive fire on the enemy and the saving of the wounded paratroopers lives, with complete disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire and moved to retrieve the weapon. He reached the machine gun and with unflinching determination engaged the enemy so effectively that two of his comrades were able to advance and move the wounded men to a safe spot. Upon returning, the two paratroopers discovered that Corporal McMahon had been mortally wounded during his valiant effort of engaging the enemy position. Corporal McMahon's unfaltering courage forced the enemy ambush position to withdraw to another location and enabled his platoon to consolidate and overrun the enemy. His determination, dedication, and heroism resulted in one enemy dead and the capture of an enemy machine gun. Corporal McMahon's unquestionable display of valor, and intense devotion to duty in close combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, Task Force OREGON, and the United States Army.

Dear CPL John Thomas Mcmahon, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter