In its August and October 2014 editions, the VFW Magazine featured articles: Vietnam War: COURAGE UNRIVALED.
Two members of the Class of 1952, COL (USA ret) Robert S. McGowan and MG (USAF ret) James E. McInerney, Jr., were honored as being among the top 50 "most highly decorated heroes earning multiple awards for valor."
Each recipient was ranked by the value of the highest multiple awards he received -- (1) the Medal of Honor; (2) Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), Navy Cross or Air Force Cross; and (3) the Silver Star. To be included in this most honored list, a serviceman must have been awarded one of the two top awards. Then, only these three above awards were counted in the overall totals.
Then-LTC Robert S. McGowan, CO, 4th Cav Regt, 25th Infantry Div, earned the Distinguished Service Cross and four Silver Stars. In addition, but not included for the VFW ranking, Bob earned six Bronze Stars with "V" device, plus three purple hearts.
Then-LTC James E. McInerney, Jr., Commander, 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, earned the Air Force Cross and three Silver Stars. Jim also earned seven Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star and fifteen Air Medals -- all of which also were not counted for the VFW ranking.
Hundreds of thousands of servicemen and women served honorably in Vietnam. For two members of the West Point Class of 1952 to be honored in the top 50 most highly decorated is unprecedented.
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A former Class of 1952 President, then-LTC William T. Leggett, earned five Silver Stars for combat valor in Vietnam. Tom also earned a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and five Air Medals. Another remarkable honor, but unfortunately not included in the VFW criteria.
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