Trivia

He was awarded the United States of America Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and four Army Achievement Medals for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Despite having been critically wounded, he was not awarded the Purple Heart.

Is a qualified expert marksmen on the m-249 s.a.w., m-240 bravo, 50 cal. machine gun, and the m-16 & m-4 assault rifles.

He was written about in the 2004 novel by author David Zucchino "Thunder Run", which talks about the push to Baghdad, Iraq.

His photo was featured in a 2003 issue of "Soldier Of Fortune" magazine, while he was in the Army.

He served as a Dismount Infantry Squad Automatic Weapon Gunner during the 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Before enlisting in the United States of America Army and serving as a Private in the 3rd Infantry Division, he was a security guard at Universal Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Though most of his early roles were as military men, reflecting his real-life service, he claims that he was a huge film enthusiast before he joined the Army, and always wanted a career in the movies.

While filming Oliver Stone's Savages (2012), McLaughlin was involved in an automobile accident in one of the production's transportation vans. The van lost control on its way down a hillside in Mystery Mesa Ranch, California, and rolled off a ravine, landing on its roof.

MSNBC reporter David Bloom was the battalion embed reporter for his unit before Bloom's tragic death in Iraq.

Was born in Paradise, Butte County, California, and raised in Chico, Butte County, California. He attended Notre Dame Catholic School and Chico High School in Chico, Butte County, California. He moved to Southern California and obtained a GED from North Hollywood High School, North Hollywood, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Is a huge fan of Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, who directed such films as Seven Samurai (1954) and The Hidden Fortress (1958) .

He served in the same Battalion as World War II Medal of Honor winner and later actor Audie Murphy.

Son of John P. McLaughlin of Clan Cenél nEógain, of Irish descent, and wife Rebecca Kay De Victoria, of Cheyenne descent.

He is the nephew of commercial actor Kevin Gregg.

Was named one of "Falls Fresh New Faces" by Hollywood.com in 2009.