MESA, AZ, USA U.S. Army CW3, COMPANY B, 2D BATTALION, 160TH AVIATION, FORT CAMPBELL, KY QALAT, AFGHANISTAN 02/18/2007
Hershel Daniel McCants Jr. was born April 2, 1973, in Medford, Ore. Although he moved away from Medford as a toddler, his extended family, which homesteaded on Evans Creek near Rogue River, has deep roots in Southern Oregon.
Known as J.R. or Danny by friends and family, Hershel joined the Army in Phoenix, Ariz., before finishing high school. He excelled in the military, where he served as a medic, became a pilot and worked with Army Special Forces, family members said.
Chief Warrant Officer McCants’ schools include the Special Forces Qualification Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, CH-47 Aircraft Qualifications Course, Special Operations Training Course, Sapper Leader Course, and the Combat Lifesaver Course.
McCants’ awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Humanitarian Service Medals, two N.C.O. Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Army Aviator Bade, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal.
Danny is survived by his wife, Shannon, his son, Trevor, 11, his daughter, Kylie, 11 months,; father and stepmother, Hershel and Elaine McCants Sr., mother and stepfather, Goldie and Larry Jo Murphy; stepbrothers, MGS Michael Lee Wilson, SFC Marshal Brian Wilson; sister, Rashelle Marie Ranft; stepsister, Heather McCants Demick; maternal grandparents, Harold and Margie Harget.