Raider War Hero Receives Key to the City

Capt. James A. Mulligan '44 and Louise receive awards from Lawrence officials

May 24 2022

Capt. James A. Mulligan '44 was a Navy pilot who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. On Wednesday, May 18, he was presented with a key to the City of Lawrence and other resolutions, awards, and gifts.

Photo above: Capt. James A. Mulligan '44, City Council Vice President Estela Reyes, City Council President Marc Laplante, Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena, mayoral advisor Octavien Spanner, and Louise Mulligan

Capt. Mulligan was held captive as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for seven years (1966-1973) after being shot down while on a mission to attack enemy supply lines in his A-4C Skyhawk.

*Capt. James A. Mulligan '44 climbs into his jet on the USS Enterprise off Vietnam in 1965*

He authored a book entitled, The Hanoi Commitment, detailing his time as a prisoner of war.

While he was held as a POW, his wife Louise helped form a national movement to gather more information on all the POWs and work towards their safety and release.

Click here to review details on Capt. Mulligan compiled by the POW Network.

This resource was passed on to us by Stephen R. Guilmet '78, who served as a sergeant in the US Marine Corps from 1980 to 1984. "I remember his Homecoming, despite the fact that I was a young boy at the time," states Stephen. "I'll be retrieving my copy of The Hanoi Commitment from my bookcase soon to re-read his story."

Capt. James A. Mulligan '44 with Lawrence Mayor John Buckley (on left) at his return to Lawrence in 1973 — *Capt. Mulligan with Lawrence Mayor John Buckley (on left) at his return to Lawrence from Vietnam in 1973.*

The Mulligans now live in Virginia Beach Virginia Beach, and last week, a contingent of Lawrence officials flew to Virginia Beach to present them with a key to the city with resolutions, awards and gifts, including items from Central Catholic Hugh School.

Statement from Central Catholic President Christopher Sullivan '81

"Capt. Jim Mulligan is a true and proud son of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1944, and the City of Lawrence. Your alma mater extends its deepest gratitude for your service and commitment to our country and our faith! Your is an example of courage, sacrifice and enduring values rarely seen today, and which we hold up to our students and alumni worldwide of leading a truly meaningful life. Those of us in Raider Nation want you to know how proud we are of you. As you have done so many times in the past, you once again bring honor to your alma mater and your hometown."

“It brings tears to my eyes,” said Capt. Mulligan, after reading an award sent to him by his alma mater Central Catholic High School in Lawrence.