Ed McMahon, Decorated Pilot Passed away Today

Ed McMahon left us today at the age of 86 after a long struggle with a number of health issues. When you read the headlines about Ed’s passing, the first thing you read is his long standing connection with Johnny Carson, however Ed was way more then just the man who announced Johnny with the famous “Heeeeeeeeeeerrre’s Johnny!” He was even more then a comedian, game show host, announcer, and television personality. He was a decorated pilot for the United States Marine Corps.

The service he gave to his country, beginning during World War II with the United States Marines, McMahon was a fighter pilot, flight instructor, and a test pilot. Even after his term with the corps, ending in 1946, Ed remained in the reserves and attended college. He returned to the military life on full time active duty in 1953 when he was shipped off to Korea to fly tactical air control and artillery spotting missions. His career with the military and serving our country did not end until 1966 where he retired with the rank of Colonel with the Marine Corps Reserves, later to be commissioned as a Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard.

Mc Mahon came from a long line of military ancestors such as Marquis d'Equilly and Patrice McMahon duc de Magenta. Although many will remember him for the Tonight Show, Star Search, and The American Family Publisher sweepstakes, I choose to remember him by his bravery and the service he gave our country. Ed Mc Mahon, I salute you and may you r rest in peace.

Here is more about Ed McMahon's military career: http://www.militarymuseum.org/McMahon.html