At age 33, McCarthy recognized the public recognition that came with being a veteran, and volunteered for the [[United States Marine Corps]] and served during [[World War II]], although he was still a circuit judge at that time. He managed to maintain his post even while he was away for years. He served mainly as a briefing officer, who was responsible for informing pilots of their mission. (4) McCarthy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1952, but it was later discovered that he had exaggerated the number of missions he had flown in order to be eligible for this award. It was later revealed that he had exaggerated other aspects of his service as well (1,2). | At age 33, McCarthy recognized the public recognition that came with being a veteran, and volunteered for the [[United States Marine Corps]] and served during [[World War II]], although he was still a circuit judge at that time. He managed to maintain his post even while he was away for years. He served mainly as a briefing officer, who was responsible for informing pilots of their mission. (4) McCarthy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1952, but it was later discovered that he had exaggerated the number of missions he had flown in order to be eligible for this award. It was later revealed that he had exaggerated other aspects of his service as well (1,2). |