Philip F. Calderone, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority today requested that Senator Charles Schumer consider nominating Marine Captain John, J. McKenna, IV for the Congressional Medal of Honor. Captain McKenna of Clifton Park, NY was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq in 2006 while coming under enemy sniper fire as he attempted to save the life of a fellow Marine.
"The Congressional Medal of Honor is our military's highest honor and I believe that the courage shown in battle by Capital John J. McKenna, IV and his ultimate supreme sacrifice while attempting to save the life of a fellow Marine merits your consideration for the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor," said Philip F. Calderone, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority.
Capitan John J. McKenna, IV Military Courtesy Room at Albany International Airport bears his name in recognition of his service and commitment to his country and fellow Marines. He is survived by his parents, John and Karen McKenna of Clifton Park, NY.
Captain McKenna graduated from Binghamton State University in 1998 and accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant. Following basic training, he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Air Wing and served as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He would later graduate from the New York State Police Academy and served with Troop G in Loudonville and Troop F in Kingston.
Captain McKenna returned to military service in 2005. While on street patrol in Fallujah, Iraq, his unit came under a coordinated sniper attack. Lance Corporal Michael Glover, who was the point man for the patrol, was struck by a sniper's bullet and lay wounded on the ground. Captain McKenna called for his men to provide cover with smoke grenades as he went through the smoke to aid Cpl. Glover. While dragging the wounded Marine to safety Capitan McKenna was mortally wounded by a snipers bullet.
