Humboldt County Man, World War II Veteran and POW, Honored Today as Veteran of the Year

Thomas McMahon, Esq

Assemblyperson Jim Woods hands Thomas McMahon a plaque honoring him. [All photos from Assemblyperson Jim Wood]

World War II veteran and POW Thomas McMahon, Esq., was honored today as Assembly District 2’s Veteran of the Year. McMahon, 92 years old, lives in Humboldt County. He is the father-in-law of recently retired Sheriff Mike Downey.

Assemblymember Jim Wood who representing our District posted today on his Facebook page that McMahon served “on the Eastern Front as a B-17 tail gunner.”

“Shot down over France, he was captured and spent more than 3 years as a POW,” Wood posted. “He earned more than a dozen prestigious medals, including the Purple Heart.”

When McMahon came back to the states, Wood said, “he worked as a firefighter and teacher, later earning a law degree.” He has nine children including his daughter, Annette, who is married to former Humboldt County Sheriff, Mike Downey.

In 2014, the Redwood Times posted a story on McMahon’s life. It includes details about when his plane was shot down. The article relates,

He bailed out of the tail section near the French-Belgian border and parachuted down to a field, landing so hard that at first he couldn’t move. A 12-year old French boy who had seen him come down used hand signals to urge McMahon to get up, then helped him get to a nearby chicken coop, where McMahon spent his first night in hiding.

To read the rest of the story, click here. 

Thomas McMahon and his family with Assemblyperson Wood.

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15 Comments
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Double speak outside of cheek
Guest
Double speak outside of cheek
6 years ago

Congrats. He is the youngest looking 92 year old I have ever seen. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Capitalist pig
Guest
Capitalist pig
6 years ago

Annette is still a hottie ! And thank you for your service sir

Lake County Not So Bad
Guest
Lake County Not So Bad
6 years ago

Congratulations sir. What an amazing man, story and life.

Guest
Guest
Guest
6 years ago

Super stud! Don’t make em like they used to! Looks more like 55

Guest^
Guest
Guest^
6 years ago

I tip my hat sir. And say thank you.

mark
Guest
mark
6 years ago

Thomas,Thank you for being you

Chuck
Guest
Chuck
6 years ago

They don’t make them like they used to, thank you sir!

Devro
Guest
6 years ago

Tom McMahon is a total badass . Glad he lives out here .

judi gonzales
Guest
judi gonzales
6 years ago

Such a hero. Thank you for helping protect our country. God Bless…

Hick
Guest
Hick
6 years ago

The toughest generation!

Bill
Guest
6 years ago

Tom,92 years, you are holding up real good, keep doing the same for another 8 years, and they will put your profile with picture in the local paper, bravo, I found out you love Jesus too. truly yours, Bill

1

Diana Robledo
Guest
Diana Robledo
6 years ago

Thank you sir for what you have done for our country. You have beyond earned this prestigious award for everything that you have been through and contributed.

jay
Guest
jay
6 years ago

Tom is a wonderful man! I have had the fortune of meeting, along with George Mullins, another WWll vet who is local to So hum! It is an honor to know these men!

Guest
Guest
Guest
6 years ago

Wow that story is amazing! He is one awesome dude! That could be a movie.

AB
Guest
AB
6 years ago

I don’t think I’d survive a dream like that