CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A life well-lived. The consensus at funeral services for retired Brigadier General C. Kemp McLaughlin.
The decorated World War II veteran died last week at the age of 101. His funeral, which was held Monday morning at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Charleston, had a military presence. McLaughlin began the West Virginia Air National Guard in 1947.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito was among those on hand at Monday’s services. She said McLaughlin was a family friend.
“You could tell he was a strong individual and he was a big man so he was very gregarious, outgoing and proud of his country and service,” Capito said.
Capito said McLaughlin was willing to talk and teach younger people about what it meant to give and be in dangerous situations like McLaughlin experienced in World War II.
McLaughlin’s legacy will impact West Virginia for years to come because of his creation of the Air National Guard, Capito said.
“His foresight to start that in West Virginia I think has solidified our base in Martinsburg and the 130th here in Charleston,” Capito said. “He fought hard to make sure we kept that base when it looked like we were going to lose it several years ago. He has a great legacy there.”
McLaughlin was sent to Europe in 1942 to join the ranks of the Mighty 8th, or what is known as the Eighth Air Force, the unit assigned to carry out strategic bombing campaigns in France, Germany, and the Low Countries during World War II, according to Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, the Adjutant General of West Virginia.
In total, McLaughlin completed 39 combat missions during the war. For his service, he was awarded a Presidential unit citation, the Distinguished Flying Cross with three clusters, the US Army Air Corps Air medal with eight clusters, and the French Croix de Guerre.
Capito met McLaughlin’s brother-in-law at the anniversary of the Battle of Bulge earlier this month. She said she’s always amazed of the sacrifice of those who served in World War II including her father, former Gov. Arch Moore and McLaughlin.
“We sure miss our heroes of the greatest generation but may he rest in peace,” Capito said.
McLaughlin, who was also at one point a Kanawha County commissioner and a member of the House of Delegates, was laid to rest at Elk Hills Memorial Park in Big Chimney where military honors conducted by 130th McLaughlin Air National Guard Honor Guard Team.