– Chuck Mawhinney, Deadliest Sniper in Marine Corps History
– Chuck Mawhinney, Marine Corps Sniper.
Chuck Mawhinney: Remembering the Legendary Marine Corps Sniper
It wasn’t until 1991 that the world learned of Marine Corps veteran Charles Benjamin “Chuck” Mawhinney’s incredible accomplishments during his time deployed to Vietnam in the late 1960s. Mawhinney, who sadly passed away on February 12, 2024, at the age of 75, holds the title of the deadliest sniper in both the Vietnam War and Marine Corps history. Despite his remarkable achievements, Mawhinney remained humble, never mentioning his record to friends or family.
Born in 1949, Mawhinney grew up in Lakeview, Oregon. He was what some might call a troubled youth, with a passion for cars, motorcycles, shooting guns, and chasing ladies. He had a natural talent for marksmanship and enjoyed hunting rabbits and deer from small aircraft. When his behavior became problematic at home, the Marines offered him an opportunity for a fresh start. Mawhinney joined the Corps and was deployed to Vietnam at the tender age of a teenager, serving a 16-month tour from 1967 to 1969.
It was in 1991 that Mawhinney’s accomplishments came to light through the publication of a book by his former spotter, Joseph T. Ward, titled “Dear Mom: A Sniper’s Vietnam.” The book revealed Mawhinney’s astonishing record of 103 confirmed kills during his tour in Vietnam, surpassing the previously believed record held by Carlos Hathcock with 93 kills. To confirm the accuracy of Ward’s claims, author Peter Senich conducted extensive research and found that Mawhinney’s record was indeed valid.
After leaving the Marine Corps in 1970, Mawhinney retired from the U.S. Forest Service after 27 years. Despite his decorated military career, the world remained unaware of his achievements until the publication of the Precision Shooting Magazine interview in 1996. It was then that Mawhinney’s life took a turn, and he finally began to open up about his service. He acknowledged the interview as an opportunity to shed light on the Vietnam veterans who had not received the recognition they deserved.
Unfortunately, Senich, who planned to write a book about Mawhinney’s life, passed away in 2004 before completing the manuscript. However, Mawhinney’s close friend, Jim Lindsay, took up the task and published “The Sniper: The Untold Story of the Marine Corps’ Greatest Marksman of All Time” in March 2023. This book brought Mawhinney’s extraordinary life and achievements to the forefront, much to his satisfaction.
Chuck Mawhinney leaves behind a lasting legacy of service to the United States, the Marine Corps, and the Forest Service. In addition to his military honors, which include a Bronze Star Medal with Combat Valor, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Valor, and two Purple Hearts, he leaves behind a loving wife and three children.
Chuck Mawhinney’s story serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans, many of whom never received the recognition they deserved. His incredible skill as a sniper will forever be remembered and celebrated, ensuring that his legacy lives on..
1. Chuck Mawhinney, Deadliest Sniper in Marine Corps History
2. Chuck Mawhinney, Marine Corps Sniper Legend.
