Sgt. Maj. James P. McMahon is a native son of Durand, Il., who passed away last November. During his long career in the Army he accomplished much and earned many awards and accolades. Among those were the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and twice the Army Commendation Medal.
SGM McMahon earned the Airborne, Ranger and Special Forces tabs during his career and was among the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, commonly referred to as Delta Force, operators who participated in the Battle of Mogadishu Oct. 3-4, 1993. He was aboard the helicopter codenamed Super Six-One when it was shot down in the early hours of the fight. It was here that he earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
To honor his brave legacy, Post 676 will dedicate the main hall in our building as 'Sergeant Major James P McMahon Memorial Hall', at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. The ceremony will be jointly hosted by our Legion, Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion. Honored guests will include members of SGM McMahon's family, high school friends and classmates, and officials from the Town of Durand. Planned highlights will be personal remembrances of Jim's earlier years from some of his close friends, a recap of his storied career in the Army by Legion members, and the unveiling of several displays dedicated to the memory of his service to our country.
It is our desire to permanently enshrine in the memory of our town, and all who enter our post, a tangible example of patriotic service. Such service as embodied by this young man who humbly and proudly served his country with such gallantry and dedication.