McLaughlin, Lachlan Douglas "Doug"

Date of birth:: 1921 (Skaneateles Falls/New York, United States)
Date of death:: May 5th, 1996 (Orlando/Florida, United States)
Nationality:: American

Biography

Doug McLaughlin was born in Skaneateles Falls. He attended Most Holy Rosary School in Syracuse and Syracuse University. He earned a master's degree in mathematics from American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

He entered the Navy from Syracuse University in 1942 as an aviation cadet and served with Fighting Squadron 19.

After the Second World War he taught mathematics in the South Hadley, Massachusetts, school district until his terirement.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant (junior grade)
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19), U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For distinguishing himself by heroism while participating in an aerial flight while serving as pilot of a group of six fighters which aggressively countered attacks by fifteen enemy fighters, shooting down thirteen without loss to themselves. He personally destroyed three of these fighters thus contributing materially to the success of his mission. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Air Medal (AM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant (junior grade)
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19), U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16), U.S. Navy

Citation:
“For distinguishing himself by meritorious acts while participating in aerial flights as pilot of a carrier-based fighter aircraft in strikes against islands of the Philippines from 10 Sept. to 21 Oct. 1944. His low level strafing attacks destroyed three planes on the ground and badly damaged five others during this period. Again on 12 Oct. he joined his division in strafing runs which destroyed two small enemy ships and damaged three others near the Pescadores Islands. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”