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Man of the Hour, Voices of Freedom story - Harold (Doug) McDougal

Our inaugural Voices of Freedom story features Harold "Doug" McDougal, whose experiences stand as a testament to courage and service. Be sure to listen to his interview after reading the brief article about him.

February 18, 2025
Capt. Harold (Doug) McDougal. Born in Merced California.

"I joined the USAF and I received my military commission through the Aviation Cadet program.

I was heading into pilot training but developed an eye problem. I ended up training as an aerial Navigator/Bombardier and was heading into SAC to the fly B-52 Stratofortress. I was high enough academically in my training to have a choice as to the command, I would serve in   in the active AirForce. I chose the Tactical Air Command.

 Most of the five years that I was active I flew in the C-130B Hercules (at Langley AFB). I spent a great amount of time dropping paratroopers or equipment.  A lot of the flying missions were in Central and South America. I spent nine months, in two months blocks, flying out of the Panama Canal Zone. I also rotated, in two-month blocks, to France (near Paris) and flew all over Europe.  My flights could range as far as Norway, Turkey or even to Africa just to name a few.  I also flew the “Berlin Corridor “across East Germany, when it was still active in the “Cold War” to Berlin. 


I did a tour in Vietnam flying C-123 Providers. I was the lead Navigator as we flew 6 C-123s to Vietnam in June of 1962. While I was there, I flew some 70 Combat Support Missions supporting the CIA s “Strategic Hamlet Program". (when it was still classified).

While I was stationed at Langley Air Force Base I obtained my private pilot's license. 

After five years of active USAF service, I went back to school. I stayed in the Air Force Reserve during this period of time.  I ended up at the University of California Medical School at Davis California.  After I received my PhD, I joined Eastern Virginia Medical and was involved in teaching some of the first lectures.  I stayed on the faculty some twelve years as an Associate Professor.

Also, at this time I founded Southeastern Guns and Knives (SGK) and promoted many gun shows. Eventually I sold SGK.   My new project was building and growing London Bridge Trading (LBT).