Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

World War II - U.S. Army

Troy A McGill

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Troop G, 5th Cavalry,
    1st Cavalry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: March 4, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Los Negros Island, Los Negros Islands, Admiralty Group
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy at Los Negros Island, Admiralty Group, on 4 March 1944. In the early morning hours Sgt. McGill, with a squad of eight men, occupied a revetment which bore the brunt of a furious attack by approximately 200 drink-crazed enemy troops. Although covered by crossfire from machine guns on the right and left flank he could receive no support from the remainder of our troops stationed at his rear. All members of the squad were killed or wounded except Sgt. McGill and another man, whom he ordered to return to the next revetment. Courageously resolved to hold his position at all costs, he fired his weapon until it ceased to function. Then, with the enemy only five yards away, he charged from his foxhole in the face of certain death and clubbed the enemy with his rifle in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed. At dawn 105 enemy dead were found around his position. Sgt. McGill's intrepid stand was an inspiration to his comrades and a decisive factor in the defeat of a fanatical enemy.
Medal of Honor Recipient Troy A. McGill
Medal of Honor Recipient Troy A. McGill
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Born: July 15, 1914, Knoxville, Knox County, TN, United States
  • Died: March 4, 1944, Los Negros Island, Admirality Group
  • Buried: Knoxville National Cemetery (MH) (B-6294), Knoxville, TN, United States
 

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!