<P> McCarthy joined the 4th Marine Division shortly thereafter, and went overseas in January 1944 . While deployed, he took part in the Roi - Namur, Saipan - Tinian, and Iwo Jima campaigns . He was awarded the Silver Star for heroism as a rifle company commander on Saipan in 1944 . He received the Purple Heart with Gold Star for wounds received in action on Saipan and Iwo Jima . </P> <P> On Iwo Jima McCarthy was the Company Commander of G Co 2nd Battalion 24th Marines . He landed on yellow beach 2 alongside the 23rd Marines . On D plus 3 the 24th RCT relieved the 25th . His Battalion moved and was supported by the blue beaches . On February 21, 1945, as a Captain, he earned the Medal of Honor while leading an assault team across exposed ground to wipe out positions holding up the advance of his company at airfield No. 2 . "I was scared all the time," McCarthy said later . "Any man tells you he wasn't scared was an imbecile . But you dealt with it ." It is believed that a Seabee heavy weapons platoon provided the fire support he needed that day . (Fig. 1) </P> <P> President Harry S. Truman presented the Medal of Honor to McCarthy in ceremonies at the White House, held on October 5, 1945 . As Truman presented the Medal, he told McCarthy, "I'd rather have one of these than be President ." </P> <P> Released from active duty following the war, he continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve, eventually being promoted to the grade of lieutenant colonel . </P>

Who said i would rather have a medal of honor than be president