Maj. Marvin "MAC" McELHINEY enlisted during World War II in April of 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri along with the entire Bear Cat Squadron, a civilian training group from Maryville College. In August of 1942, Marvin entered into active service.

Mac received his basic training in March of 1943 at Pensacola, Florida, training in sea planes. He earned his wings in July of 1943. He chose the U.S. Marine Corps and was commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.

Mac went overseas in July of 1943, flying SBD dive bombers in the South Pacific Theatre. He returned to the United States in February of 1945 and went to New Orleans where he attended flight instructor's school.

Mac was sent to Tsingtoa, China in May of 1945 where he served a few months of reconnaissance duty. He flew F6F Hellcats, F4U Corsairs and F9F Cougar jets. In 1945 Mac was discharged into the organized reserves.

Major Marvin "Mac" McELHINEY retired after serving 20 years with the Corps.

The son of Vern and Fern (BLACK) McELHINEY, Marvin was born October 14, 1920, and passed away in December of 1987. He was interred at Summit Cemetery of rural Yorktown, Page County, Iowa.

SOURCE: Maloy Centennial book, p. 87

Submission by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2010