Military Marksmanship Association Formerly AMUA - Army Marksmanship Unit Association

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Taps, Present Arms Francis M. McNerney Master Sergeant Francis M. McNerney, 77, passed on April 19, 2001, in Columbus, Georgia. MSG McNerney served over 23 years with the US Army. Francis developed his rifle shooting skills at Fort Hood and 4th Army.  He was subsequently assigned to the USAMU Service Rifle Team in 1962. McNerney was respected for his dependable marksmanship ability as a member of many winning Infantry Trophy Match teams. He earned the U. S. Army Distinguished Rifleman Badge in 1961. “Mac” was a quiet soldier, speaking only when there was something meaningful to say. As a member of the USAMU Service Rifle team, he excelled as one of the best Infantry Trophy team shooters ever assigned to the AMU. It was a pleasure to watch him work the “swing targets.” He was a member of the Army’s record setting team that fired the first Infantry Trophy score of 1400 points. This team was known as the “Over Forty Gang” -- all six firing team members were 40 or more years of age. “Mac” seemed to excel at almost anything he choose to do. Upon his retirement from active duty in 1966, he became known in the region for his work on large diesel engines. MSG McNerney was a soldier, marksman, and an individual who was highly regarded by his team mates. Those who knew “Mac” would remember the pleasant smile he always had for everyone.

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