Command Sergeant Major (Retired) James Gerard McDonough, a five-time recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and one of the few Americans who have been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) with two stars, died on 11 September, 2018 at the age of 92. Born the son of legal Irish immigrants, he grew up in South Boston, Massachusetts. His father, a veteran of WWI, died when he was 9 years old. Raised by his single mother, he enlisted in the United States Army at age 18.
Following training in the States, he was assigned with the 30th Infantry, 3rd Division fighting in the Rheinland and Central European campaigns. As a 19-year-old Platoon Sergeant, he was awarded his first CIB and Bronze Star.
After the war, he returned to the United States only to re-enlist in the Army. During the next three years, he served in Europe defending against Soviet Communism. While there, he met and married a young East Prussian, Annemarie E. Huebner, who had barely escaped the onslaught of the Russian Campaign.
His next tour of combat was during the Korean War in which he fought through three campaigns as a First Sergeant of the 7th Infantry Regiment, again with the 3rd Infantry Division, and earned his second award of the CIB and two additional Bronze Star Medals.
During the Vietnam Conflict, he served as Command Sergeant Major with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry and 4th Infantry Divisions where he earned his 3rd award of the CIB. Additionally, he received two Bronze Star Medals, and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.
He was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air medal with three oak leaf clusters, and many other recognitions that included more than a dozen service medals with campaign stars for numerous engagements. During his military career, he served with six infantry divisions, two armored divisions, and the Infantry School at Fort Benning. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Following his military service, he received degrees from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Auburn University. He served as a member of the Lee County Board of Education. He enjoyed teaching and spent several years working as a substitute teacher within the Phenix City School System.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Annemarie, and three sons, James, Kevin, and Martin. He is survived by two sons, Brian Gerard McDonough and Steven Gerard McDonough; a daughter, Noreen McDonough Lennen; grandsons Colin, Conor, Chris, and Will; granddaughter Katherine LaFoy; great-granddaughter Eliana LaFoy; and sister Elizabeth Haigis.
Visitation is scheduled from 11 to 12 pm (EST) at Striffler Hamby Mortuary at 3770 Highway 431 North in Phenix City, Alabama. Funeral services will be held following visitation. Graveside services with military honors will be conducted immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of CSM (Ret.) McDonough may be made to Hospice Angels; Bethany House, 1171 Gatewood Drive # 100; Auburn, AL 36830.
