Illinois governor pardons Vietnam pilot convicted as teen

After pleading guilty to reckless homicide and serving time in jail plus probation, McNamee went on to join the U.S. Marines and Air Force, flying some 1,700 missions in Vietnam and earning more than 75 air medals.

On Wednesday, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner granted a clemency request from the now 79-year-old, who said he applied in part because he wasn't able to get a concealed carry firearm permit due to his felony record.

Jason Sweat, chief legal counsel for the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, said paperwork filed with McNamee's clemency petition showed he was driving too fast when he lost control and hit a bridge abutment on the side of a road.

McNamee served six years with the Marines and 5½ years with the U.S. Air Force and had a top secret intelligence clearance, according to documents submitted with the petition.