James J. (Mac) McMahon – Private to Sergeant.

Served with distinction in the Hq1 Communications Platoon from October 20, 1942 to October 13, 1945. 

James McMahon performed outstandingly as the Battalion Wire Chief, a dangerous function that often required exposure to enemy observation and fire. 

Mac is a Hq1“Hells Half Acre” survivor (See Chap-ter II, Combat Operations – Normandy).

Mac is a distinguished member of the “Greatest of the Greatest Generation.”  

Mac was one of the quietest men in Hq1. Now after sixty years, he is still reluctant to discuss his wartime experiences and accomplishments.  His WW II comrades recall that he performed his duties efficiently, often with-out direction, always without supervision, and consistently under the most dangerous battlefield conditions.

As Chief of the battalion wire section, Mac was responsible for the operational efficiency of the wire communications systems connecting the battalion headquarters with the front-line rifle companies.

Mac maintained continuous surveillance of this highly vulnerable network that was often disrupted by enemy patrols or artillery fire.

These frequent wire breaks had to be quickly located and repaired or the wire replaced. Locating and repairing these breaks, required that Mac and his few men operate day and night, in all weather, often expos-ed to enemy small arms and artillery fire. 

James (Mac) McMahon entered the service October 14, 1942.  He was immediately sent to Camp Upton, NY where he volunteered for airborne training. Mac was sent to Camp Blanding, Florida assigned to the 508^th Parachute Infantry Regiment (508^th PIR).

The regiment was established by the Army to determine the feasibility of sending entire units through the Parachute School at Fort Benning, GA rather than continue having individuals qualify as parachutists and then assigning them to airborne units.