Joseph McCarthy (right), circa 1914
OCHS #1999.41.1

Joseph McCarthy and his dog "Watch," 1932
OCHS #1999.41.1

McCarthy's sister, Olive, in the Manawa Cash-Way grocery store, circa 1930
Courtesy of a McCarthy family member

McCarthy's management of the Manawa Cash-Way store made it a financial success. He asked his sister Olive to help him run the store while he attended high school. Eventually, McCarthy quit Cash-Way because of his school schedule.

 

McCarthy Photographing Japanese gun positions, circa 1943
Courtesty of Marquette University Archives

McCarthy flew in 11 squadron missions as an aerial photographer and tail gunner.

Colonel John Lanigan presenting McCarthy with a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, December 29, 1952
Courtesy of Marquette University Archives and F. Clyde Wilkinson

McCarthy received these medals at the height of his political career. He applied for them in 1951, saying he flew in 32 squadron missions. Military leaders, some sympathetic to the Senator, accepted his number and awarded him a Distinguished Flying Cross. Wartime log entries list 11 missions under McCarthy's name. Usually, soldiers who completed 25 missions received the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross medal.

McCarthy and soldiers at Shyster Shanty, circa 1943
Courtesy of Marquette University Archives

McCarthy impressed soldiers with his friendliness and generosity. He flew in and distributed to troops liquor and rare foods such as grapefruit juice and canned turkeys.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Johnson presenting McCarthy with a Commendation Ribbon in Santa Ana, California, 1945
Courtesty of a McCarthy family member.

The Commendation Ribbon recognized McCarthy's achievements in aerial photography.