Jared Nichols

Kris Bramlett

Nicole Evans

Corona

US History Per. 4

06-08-05

ESLR # 1

CS # 11.8

James McNamara

James McNamara was born in 1924 in Hastings, Minnesota. One story that James recalls is when he and his friend bought their first car for ten dollars from the dealership. They did not have enough money to pay for it, so they paid half and worked all summer to cover the remaining amount. Throughout his years in Minnesota, he attended various schools during 1929 to 1941. He graduated in 1941. Before graduating high school, he joined the military service. His branch of military service was the National Guard. This is when his career in the military began. The reason he joined the military is because times were rough, and joining the military got you a new pair of shoes and a paycheck. Also, he wanted to get out of Minnesota.

As stated, James McNamara enlisted in the National Guard in 1939. He first served in Minnesota. In December of 1941 World War II was declared. In January of 1941, he was called to active duty and was stationed at Camp Haan in Riverside, California. Through the years 1941 to 1945, Mr. McNamara served in various U.S. locations. In 1945, he was discharged from service as a sergeant. While serving, he spent most of his time in San Francisco and other California cities as a National Guard. When Pearl Harbor was bombed he was guarding the tops of buildings on the coast of San Francisco. As soon as the harbor was attacked, security was intensified along the coast.

After he was discharged from the service, he attended the University of Minnesota during 1946 and 1947. In 1948, he reentered the active U.S. Army. During the Korean War, he was a forward observer. He considers himself one of the lucky ones, because most forward observers were killed or wounded. He spent one year in Korea with the rank of lieutenant. In 1952 until 1954 he served in New York. Then in 1954 to 1957, he served in Europe with his family, and the rank of captain. In 1957 to 1960 he served in Texas and California. After that, he served in Wisconsin and then retired once again as a Major. He personally believes that his time in the war was worth it. He is proud to say that he helped serve his country. He stated that the hardest part of the war was leaving his family behind.

After his retirement, he graduated college with a B.A. degree in 1962. Then in 1963 to 1971, he began a career in the bank real estate department. In 1971 until 1985, he went into real estate development. He once again retired in 1985. Also in 1985, he began volunteering with charity organizations. He has served on various boards in order to help children in need. This is what he continues to do today.

Mr. McNamara has done many incredible and exciting things. He carried the Olympic torch in 1984, which is now at his home. James loves to play golf, and actually played in the senior tour in Napa Valley. During high school, he played football and baseball. While in the service, he also played football.

As of today, James McNamara has been married fifty eight years to his wife. They have four of their own grown children, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, with one on the way. Mr. McNamara loves his life and his family. In our opinion, James McNamara is a true American hero. The fact that he gave up his own time and risked his life to serve his country and give America freedom says a lot about his character. James McNamara is a hero in our hearts.