John Thomas "Mac" McAleese, MM (25 April 1949 – 26 August 2011) was a Scottish soldier who took part in several late 20th century conflicts with the British Army's Royal Engineers and the Special Air Service, which is now within the umbrella organisation United Kingdom Special Forces. During his time in the Special Air Service, he famously had a role in the storming of the Iranian Embassy in London during a hostage taking siege in May 1980.
McAleese was born in Stirling, Scotland, on 25 April 1949 and grew up in Laurieston, Falkirk.[1]
He joined the Royal Engineers in 1969, aged 20, and in 1973 passed the All Arms Commando Course (AACC), which earned him the green beret and a transfer to 59 Independent Commando, Royal Engineers.
In 1975 he transferred into the Special Air Service. He was a lance corporal in 1980, serving in Pagoda Troop, 'B' Squadron, 22 SAS Regiment, when he led "Blue Team" in the storming of the Iranian Embassy in London during a hostage siege on 5 May 1980.[citation needed] McAleese fought in the Falklands War in 1982, and in The Troubles. He was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in action at the Loughgall ambush in County Armagh on 8 May 1987,[4] and was present at the Drumnakilly ambush in County Tyrone in August 1988.[5] He also served as a bodyguard for three Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom.[6] He was discharged from the British Army on 8 February 1992 with the rank of staff sergeant.[2][1]
