Changes

==Early life==

==Early life==

Born and raised on a Wisconsin farm, McCarthy earned a law degree at [[Marquette University]] in 1935 and was elected as a circuit judge in 1939, the youngest in state history.

Born and raised on a Wisconsin farm, McCarthy earned a law degree at [[Marquette University]] in 1935 and was elected as a circuit judge in 1939, the youngest in state history.

At age 33, McCarthy volunteered for the [[United States Marine Corps]] and served during [[World War II]], although he was still a circuit judge at that time. He maintained 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).

Even though that as a judge McCarthy was exempt from military service, at age 33, McCarthy volunteered for the [[United States Marine Corps]]. He was sworn in as a first lieutenant in August 1942 and served during [[World War II]]. He served as an intelligence officer for a bomber squadron stationed in the Solomon Islands, and also risked his life by volunteering to fly in the tail-gunner's seat on many combat missions. McCarthy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1952. During his 30 months of military service, McCarthy's achievements were unanimously praised by his commanding officers and Admiral [[Chester Nimitz]], commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, issued the following citation regarding the service of Captain McCarthy:

While serving in the Pacific he ran in the Republican primary for Senate in 1944, but lost to Alexander Wiley, a longtime independent incumbent. He successfully ran again two years later defeating [[Robert M. La Follette, Jr]].

{{Cquote|For meritorious and efficient performance of duty as an observer and rear gunner of a dive bomber attached to a Marine scout bombing squadron operating in the Solomon Islands area from September 1 to December 31, 1943. He participated in a large number of combat missions, and in addition to his regular duties, acted as aerial photographer. He obtained excellent photographs of enemy gun positions, despite intense anti-aircraft fire, thereby gaining valuable information which contributed materially to the success of subsequent strikes in the area. Although suffering from a severe leg injury, he refused to be hospitalized and continued to carry out his duties as Intelligence Officer in a highly efficient manner. His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.}}

==United States Senate==

==United States Senate==