WWII Veteran Frocks Granddaughter

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class John Hetherington | 161130-N-DC740-005 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (Nov. 30, 2016) James Mulcahy pins collar devices on the uniform of his granddaughter, Petty Officer 2nd Class Kathryn Allard, at Fleet Readiness Center Northwest, during a ceremony frocking her to her new rank. Mulcahy served as a Radioman 3rd Class aboard the USS Appalachian (AGC-1) during World War II. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Hetherington/Released)  

OAK HARBOR, WA, UNITED STATES

12.07.2016

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Hetherington 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash—Fleet Readiness Center Northwest hosted a special frocking ceremony for Petty Officer 2nd Class Kathryn Allard so that her grandfather, James Mulcahy, could pin on her new chevrons.

Mulcahy served as a Radioman 3rd Class aboard the USS Appalachian (AGC-1) in the Pacific during World War II.

“She outranks me now,” said Mulcahy. “I never made 2nd Class.”

Allard felt very fortunate to be able to have her grandfather be a part of the ceremony.

“We found out late Wednesday that I’d made it, and it was a whirlwind from there,”
said Allard. “It was just by happenstance that he was up here at the right time because of Thanksgiving. To me it meant the world because it was just totally by luck.”

Allard credits Mulcahy with inspiring generations of her family to serve in all branches of the military.

“It’s crazy to see all of the family that has gone military because Grandpa instilled the values into his kids, and his kids into us, the grandchildren,” said Allard. “We all look up to him. Without him, I don’t think any of us would’ve wanted to do this.”

Mulcahy showed pride in his granddaughter’s accomplishment and gratitude for being able to share in her moment.

“It’s an honor for her to ask me to pin it on her,” said Mulcahy. “I’m so pleased.”

• Date Taken: 12.07.2016
• Date Posted: 12.07.2016 13:52
• Story ID: 216713
• Location: OAK HARBOR, WA, US