Gun Ship Mark Wayne McGinnis: A True American Hero and Humanitarian

Mark Wayne McGinnis was born on July 13, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. He was a gifted athlete and scholar who excelled in school and on the playing field. After graduating from high school, McGinnis attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied political science. He was a member of the ROTC program and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army upon graduation.

McGinnis was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and deployed to Vietnam in 1966. He flew as a door gunner on a Huey helicopter and participated in numerous combat missions. On one mission, McGinnis' helicopter was shot down and he was forced to evacuate. He was badly injured in the crash but was able to make it back to friendly lines.

Gun Ship

by Mark Wayne McGinnis

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1654 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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After recovering from his injuries, McGinnis returned to Vietnam and continued to fly as a door gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism in action. In 1968, McGinnis was promoted to first lieutenant and given command of a gun ship platoon. He led his platoon on numerous successful missions, including the rescue of several downed pilots.

In 1969, McGinnis was shot down again and was captured by the enemy. He was held as a prisoner of war (POW) for five years. During his time in captivity, McGinnis was tortured and mistreated. However, he never gave up hope and continued to resist his captors. In 1973, McGinnis was finally released as part of Operation Homecoming.

After returning home, McGinnis was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for his heroism in Vietnam. He also received the Purple Heart for his injuries. McGinnis retired from the Army in 1974 and went on to have a successful career in business. He also became a vocal advocate for veterans' rights and worked tirelessly to help other POWs.

In 2009, McGinnis was inducted into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He is one of the few living veterans to be honored with this distinction. McGinnis continues to be an inspiration to all who know him. He is a true American hero and humanitarian who dedicated his life to helping others.

Legacy

Mark Wayne McGinnis's legacy is one of courage, determination, and selflessness. He served his country with honor and distinction, and he never gave up hope even in the face of adversity. McGinnis was a true American hero and humanitarian, and his story is an inspiration to us all.

McGinnis's legacy is also one of service. He dedicated his life to helping others, both at home and abroad. He worked tirelessly to help other POWs, and he was a strong advocate for veterans' rights. McGinnis also volunteered his time to help the homeless and the needy.

McGinnis's legacy is one that will continue to inspire generations to come. He was a true American hero and humanitarian, and his story is one that should never be forgotten.

Additional Resources

* Mark Wayne McGinnis on the Vietnam War website * Mark Wayne McGinnis inducted into Vietnam Memorial on the U.S. Army website * Mark Wayne McGinnis, Vietnam Hero, Dies at 66 on the Washington Post website

Gun Ship

by Mark Wayne McGinnis

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1654 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE