War Heroes: John McCloy

This week, we're featuring John McCloy, who is going to be memorialized on a new set of postage stamps this year.
What makes John C. McCloy such a special war hero? How about a Medal of Honor during the Boxer Rebellion?

In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China, 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900. During this period and in the presence of the enemy, Coxswain McCloy distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.

Oh yeah, and how about another Medal of Honor for actions in Mexico in 1914?

For heroism in leading 3 picket launches along Vera Cruz sea front, drawing Mexican fire and enabling cruisers to save our men on shore, 22 April 1914. Though wounded, he gallantly remained at his post.

Yeah, that's right - two Congressional Medals of Honor.

Odd follow-up story? The destroyer that bore his name - USS McCloy (FF-1038) - was sold to... Mexico.

USS McCloy (FF-1038) was the second and final Bronstein-class frigate. Commissioned as a destroyer escort, the McCloy was redesignated as frigate on June 30, 1975. Decommissioned on December 14, 1990, and stricken from the Navy list on October 4, 1991, the McCLOY was sold to Mexico on November 12, 1993, where she was recommissioned as Nicolas Bravo. Named for Lt. Comdr. John C. McCloy, recipient of two Medals of Honor.

Who was Nicolas Bravo? According to Wikipedia:

a Mexican politician and soldier. He distinguished himself in both offices during the 1846–1848 U.S. invasion of Mexico.

So we named a warship after a two-time CMOH winner who won one of them for actions in Mexico. Then we sell that warship to Mexico, who rename it after someone who distinguished himself fighting... us.

By: Brant