The Floral Park American Legion selected local resident James F. McShane, a World War II veteran and 70-year Legion member as the grand marshal for the 2015 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies, held on Monday, May 25.
McShane served in the Army Air Corp during World War II.
After graduating from Grover Cleveland High School in Queens, his military service began at Camp Upton, an Army installation located in Yaphank, near Camp Mills, in Suffolk County.
Following his initial military instruction, McShane trained at an air base in Nebraska in aircraft mechanics. He became the crew chief for P-47 aircraft, originally manufactured in Farmingdale for the war.
McShane later became crew chief, working on Boston Attack Bombers in New Guinea where he contracted malaria. McShane left the service after almost three years of active duty.
His military awards and decorations include the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Sharpshooter Award for proficiency with a carbine.
McShane had five children with his late wife, Dorothy.
