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: | 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: |