Daniel McMahon

Specialist Daniel McMahon, a lifelong resident of Grand Island, New York, was drafted into the United States Army on September 26, 1968. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey before receiving advanced individual training in infantry at Fort Polk, Louisiana, specializing in jungle warfare.

Specialist McMahon was then deployed to Vietnam where he served for one year with the 9th Infantry Division, operating in the 3rd and 4th Cores in the Mekong Delta. Upon leaving Vietnam, he returned to the United States where he completed his active service at Fort Hood, Texas. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Specialist 4.

During his military career, Specialist McMahon received numerous awards and medals, including the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal with V device, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars,Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal among others.

Returning home to Grand Island, Specialist McMahon continued serving his nation and fellow veterans when he joined the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 9249 in 1971. He currently serves as Post Commander, and has served in various leadership roles within the VFW organization, most notably, Erie County Council Commander for two years and present Commander of District 6 VFW Department of New York.

He has also been a member of the Grand Island Fire Company for more than 57 years, and was a member of the original paramedic crew for 26 years and 911 communications supervisor for more than 14 years.

SPC McMahon and his wife of 46 years, Sue, have two daughters, Bridget and Molly.