The South Haven City Council has approved a proclamation honoring Medal of Honor recipient and resident Jim McCloughan.
At a meeting this past week, members read the document outlining McCloughan’s accomplishments saving fellow servicemen in Vietnam and as a coach locally.
“Your contributions to the community have helped make it a better place to live, work, and play,” said the resolution signed by Mayor Scott Smith.
McCloughan thanked the council, saying the city has done much for him and his family. He then told a story about carrying a wounded man out of a firefight one day in Vietnam. McCloughan said as he struggled to reach safety, he realized he hadn’t told his father that he loved him since he was a boy.
“I had a conversation with God,” McCloughan said. “I said, ‘Lord, it you get me out of this Hell on Earth so I can tell my father that I love him one more time, I’ll be the best coach, I’ll be the best teacher, and I’ll be the best dad that I can possibly be.’ An incredible peace came over me.”
McCloughan then gave everyone an assignment to think of someone they should say those three words to, but haven’t lately. He said call that person, tell them you love them, and tell them why.
McCloughan thanked all of the students who have touched his life over the years and the whole community.
He was approved for a Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama and received it from President Donald Trump in 2017.
