Friday, June 26, 2009

Farewell Ed McMahon

Edward Peter Leo McMahon, Jr.
March 6, 1923 – June 23, 2009


Farewell to Ed McMahon - long known as Johnny Carson's sidekick and host of Star Search. But, more interesting that his illustrious show business career was his career in the Marine Corps.

During WWII, Ed McMahon was a fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps serving as a flight instructor and test pilot. He received six Air Medals and when discharged in 1946, he remained in the Reserves. He was recalled to active duty and sent to Korea in February 1953. He flew 85 tactical air control and artillery spotting missions in the OE-1 Bird Dog.

He remained in the Marine Reserves and retired in 1966 as a full colonel and was then commissioned as a Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard.

Ed McMahon did far more than entertain us... he also fought for us and protected us.

Thank you, Mr. McMahon!

4 comments:

D. Anderson said...

Ed McMahon is right up with Bob Barker for the most memorable voices ever possessed by a human being; he'll be missed

Buck said...

Ya gotta admire Mr. McMahon. Those O1-E guys had BIG brass ones, as did their descendants, the Misty FACs.

Annie said...

Wow, I did not know that. :)

Jane Rodmyre Payfer said...

Thx for reminding us about the frequently overlooked (intentionally or not?)fact about Ed McMahon - he was an American hero long before the Tonight show. Honoring his service, and his memory. jrp