Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

World War II vet receives high school diploma

Gurdon's School Board recently honored Luther Carlton McKinnon, better known as Carlton, with his high school diploma.

McKinnon was one of many men who bravely fought for this country's rights and freedoms, during World War II.

As with McKinnon, several young men left to fight before they could finish high school and receive a diploma.

Recently the Arkansas Legislature approved Act 216 of 2003; An Act Authorizing School Districts To Grant A High School Diploma To World War II Veterans Who Meet Eligibility Requirements.

The Act states: (a) In recognition of and tribute to veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in World War II, a board of directors of any school district in Arkansas may grant a diploma of graduation to any veteran meeting the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.

(b) School districts are encouraged to present the diploma in conjunction with appropriate Veteran's Day programs.

(c) To be eligible for a high school diploma under this section, a veteran shall:

(1) Have been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the united States of America;

(2) Be a resident of the State of Arkansas; and

(3) Between the dates of September 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946;

(A) Have served a minimum of eighteen (18) consecutive months' active duty, or

(B) Have been discharged with a service-connected disability.

In McKinnon's case, he was honorably discharged after serving for several months in the Air Force.

McKinnon was only 18-years-old when he entered the Air Force and he was a student of what was known as Central High School in Arkadelphia, at the time.

McKinnon was stationed at Dalphin Greene Air Force Base in Germany. He was an Aviation Mechanic Gunner in the 8th Air Force Squadron.

McKinnon flew in what was known as the "Flying Fortress", B-17 bombers. McKinnon said this was the long range bombers at the time and was a heavy bomber.

McKinnon played a major part in the Battle of the Bulge as he was a gunner as his squadron flew several of missions in defense of this country and it's men.

Because of the role McKinnon and the rest of his squadron played in the battle, they all received a Presidential Citation. McKinnon was also the recipient of an Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

McKinnon's son, Ed, who operates Horne Funeral Home of Gurdon, said his dad had seen where the Legislature had approved such an act honoring veteran's.

"Dad showed some interest in getting the diploma he didn't have the opportunity to get," said McKinnon.

After some discussion with Gurdon School District Superintendent Bobby Smithson, and Gurdon High School Principal Leonard Gills, an official Gurdon High School Diploma was ordered and presented to McKinnon.