He again was selected for command as he led the men of the Engineer Tech Intelligence group within the 513th Intelligence Group in Oberursel, Germany during the height of the Cold War.Īfter two tours in Vietnam, first in 1967, as the Executive Officer for the 39th Engineer Battalion (Combat) of Task Force Oregon and again in 1971 as the Director of Material Engineer Command, and two assignments as the Active Duty Army Advisor to the Maine National Guard's 262nd Engineer Battalion, he retired in Bangor with numerous awards and decorations, most notably the Bronze Star with V device, for Valor, and the Legion of Merit.Įmbarking on his second career, in 1975 he became the Director of Support Services at the Community Health and Counseling Services in Bangor. Often cited for superior performance, John molded this company into one of the finest Engineer units in the Service. He was again selected for command in 1960, when he was assigned to Korea as the Company Commander for the 547th Engineer Company (Float Bridge) which had critical bridging missions in the event of re-escalations of hostilities in Korea. A stellar instructor, he trained a generation of Engineers in Nuclear Demolition, Bridging, and Demolition and Mine Warfare. A valued teacher and mentor, he was twice assigned to the teaching faculty at the Engineer School in Fort Belvoir, VA., ensuring the force was trained for the challenges they would face. His impact was so great he was invited to attend unit reunions and was honored by the men he served with. A testament to his leadership he was selected to command the 52nd Engineers (Toul, France), as a Second Lieutenant. A man of integrity who earned the respect, admiration, and loyalty of his fellow peers and troops, he spent much of his early Army years commanding Engineers in France, Korea, Germany, Vietnam, and the United States, with his organizations consistently nominated for awards for excellence. Recognized for his strong work ethic and leadership skills, he was designated for the highly competitive Army "Mustang" program transitioning from enlisted to officer, becoming a Second Lieutenant in 1954 and beginning what became a 21- year career serving his country. After graduating from Everett High School in 1950 and showcasing his "Jack of all Trades" skills, he enlisted in the U.S. Growing up in Everett, MA., John was always busy whether collecting items for the war effort, shining shoes, working the counter at the local drug store, working with his father at his hardware store or roofing and painting houses together or as a steeplejack, John was laying the foundation that would typify his life, making things better. John lived his life to the fullest making a difference with all he encountered. He was predeceased by his grandchildren, baby Eli John MacKAY, Patrick Kane and Christopher Kennedy daughter-in-law, Angelika Kennedy MacKAY brothers, Robert and Frederick sisters Charlotte (Byrne) and Dorothy (Singleton) brothers-in-law, Robert Byrne, David Singleton and sisters-in-law, Winifred MacKAY, and Margaret (McEleney) Kelley. His is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 67 years, Ann Marie (McEleney) MacKAY his five children and their spouses, Thomas, Kathleen Kane (Arthur), Timothy (Dawn), Christine Dunbar (Scott), and Sean (Denise) 10 cherished grandchildren: Ryan (Becca) and Heather Dunbar, Jonathan, Joshua, and Joseph MacKAY, Maggie and Jenny Kane, Finley, Evan, and Alice MacKAY five great-grandchildren his brother, Joseph sisters-in-law, Elaine MacKAY, Lorraine MacKAY and Barbara (McEleney) Barnes brothers-in-law, Frederic Kelley and Roger Barnes and numerous nieces and nephews. Distinctive from the beginning, he was born on Leap Year (February 29), 1932, the son of Lester D. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother in-law, uncle, and friend. Army Retired, died April 16, 2022, peacefully in his home with his family by his side.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |