Earl McClung, 90, passed away a year ago today at his home in Pueblo West, Colorado on November 27, 2013. He was born on the Colville Indian Reservation in northeastern Washington State on April 27, 1923. Earl was part American Indian and was very proud of his heritage. Earl was a decorated combat veteran who served with the “screaming eagles” of the 101st Airborne Easy Company 2nd Battalion 506 PIR. His story is highly publicized in the now famous HBO miniseries Band of Brothers.
When Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941, Earl was eager to enlist but was only in high school. Then in 1943 he was drafted as a 19 year old into the Army and joined the paratroopers where he was assigned to Easy Company 2nd Battalion 506th PIR, of the 101st Airborne. Earl jumped onto Normandy on D-day and reportedly killed two German soldiers as soon as his boots hit the ground. He fought briefly and bravely with the 82nd until relocating with his men of Company E. However, his heroics did not stop there. McClung campaigns with Easy Company include Normandy, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and lastly overtaking Hitler’s Eagles Nest at the end of the war. His awards include, among others, two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He served our country from 1942 to 1947 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Earl and his wife, Jean, of 76 years had three children together.
Earl passed away a year ago this Thanksgiving, November 27, 2013. As we gather around with family and friends to give thanks, let us not forget the brave men who went into harms way to keep our great country free.
Please sign the guestbook below and let the family know that you are thinking of him.
I didn’t know Earl but reading about him he sure sounds like the McClungs in our branch of the family. Proud but humble.
The world owes you more than can ever be repaid. Even though you are gone, you’ll never be forgotten nor unappreciated. I often think of such sacrifice you and your fellow soldiers have given for us, especially in the days we live in today when so much is taken for granted and our people are treated so badly. In these times i remember what men like you have given and why it is important for us to make sure we don’t lose the country you all sacrificed so much for to tyrannical wamnabe fascists we see so much of in the Republican party today. I only hope we can change our trajectory and make you all proud of us as Americans and once more have a country that is not mired in corruption and cruelty and fake Christianity. Thank you for all you’ve given and the examples you all have left. Now it’s time for us to bring the same sacrifice and real patriotism back to our people and gsin back a caring, compassionate and true American way of life, liberty and happiness.
Thank you sir for your service. Freedom is not free, and you gave “the ultimate sacrifice” for our great country.
To such a brave young man at the going down of each sun we shall remember him, lest we forget
I had the honor and privilege of meeting Earl at the Wings over Houston Air Show in Houston, Texas, at the Legends and Heroes tent in 2012. I got my photo with him, and he signed the inside cover of my ‘Band of Brothers’ DVD tin. I have cherished and probably displayed that on my bookcase ever since to show to my house guests. Men like Earl from the greatest generation are my heroes, and they are the REAL heroes. Earl was part of the cause of preserving our freedom. We are forever indebted to Earl, and all those who served with Earl. God bless.