#271 Preserving Little Known History w/ Army Veteran Tim McCoy

Tim McCoy was born in Fort Jackson, S.C. and grew up in a military environment. He eventually joined the military and gave almost 26 years of service until a health condition forced him out. Despite his abrupt departure, he continues to involve himself with the military community in his capacity as a historian focusing on giving a voice to the lesser known and often forgotten figures in American military history.

McCoy lived a unique life compared to most Americans. He was a military brat whose service ended suddenly because of factors beyond his control. In this episode of Borne the Battle, he shares some details of his own life’s history:

• What it was like to adjust to new schools and environments as a military brat.
• How he coped with not being able to see his father for long periods of time as a kid.
• How his father inspired him to enlist in the military.
• The way he struggled to adjust to civilian life – “When you’re a warrior, it’s hard for you to admit that something’s wrong with you.”
• How he eventually found his place of belonging and purpose after being out of the military.

But beyond just retelling his own past, McCoy loves studying America’s military past as well. As a historian who aspires to open his own military museum one day, he possesses a wealth of knowledge in military history. Here are some of the many historical facts McCoy mentioned in this episode that you may not have known or thought about:

• The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black women battalion that ensured mail reached U.S. soldiers in the frontlines during World War II.
• “The Golden Thirteen” – the first 13 African American sailors who became commissioned and warrant officers in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
• A World War II destroyer escort and submarine attacking vessel, the USS Mason, which had a majority African American crew.
• The fact that Hawaiians participated in the American Civil War.

In 2021, McCoy was the featured in PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert highlighting the 2nd Ranger Company, the Army’s only elite and all-Black Ranger company and served during the Korean War.

From when he was born to today – all 57 years of it and counting – the military has been an integral part of McCoy’s life. Today he is committed to giving back by helping tell the stories of other Veterans who have not yet been heard.

Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week: 

• Army Veteran Marcia Anderson

Additional Links:

• McCoy’s nonprofit, Winged Warrior Inc., is running the Winged Warrior Project, aiming to “document the development, employment and deployment of Airborne Operations from its inception to present.”
• VA asks for public input on Veterans outdoor recreation experience