Michael G. McMahon, right, of West Windsor received the Patriot of the Year award from St. David the King Knights of Columbus Council 14716. The award was presented at the Knights of Columbus annual patriotic dinner held recently at the Mercer Oaks Golf Club.
A graduate of St. Francis College with a bachelor of arts degree, he received an MBA from Pace University. He is retired from Merrill Lynch.
Drafted in 1969, he served in Vietnam for one year in roles including as a squad leader attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5). He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, a Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor, the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for Valor, the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement in the Republic of Vietnam, and two awards of the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Aerial Flight for his participation in Air Mobile (helicopter) operations. During his time in Vietnam McMahon served in the 9th Infantry Division with Bravo Company, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry.
McMahon has been a volunteer at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. since 2003. He was honored in 2012 with the Libby Hatch Volunteer Recognition Award for outstanding service for his “commitment and dedication to preserving the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and to promote healing amongst our Nation’s Vietnam Veterans and their families.”
McMahon also actively volunteers at the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum and was a member of the Foundation’s board of trustees from 2009 to 2012. He is a tour guide and talks to students attending the New Jersey Memorial as part of school field trips.
A supporter of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s efforts to build an education center at the wall, McMahon was instrumental in the council’s support of Mercer County Veteran’s Services program to provide transitional housing for veterans in this area, as well as many other council programs.
