MCH-Dr. Tim Crain Presents: The Politics of Fear: Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare of 1950-54

Session four: Joseph McCarthy

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the entrance of the United States into World War II, Joe McCarthy volunteered to serve in the US Marines, in the Pacific Theater of World War II. He received a number of commendations, and was known to his men as “Tail-Gunner Joe.” Although well-liked by his men, he did exaggerate much of his war record. In 1946, Joe McCarthy was elected to the US Senate representing the state of Wisconsin.