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Henry MacGill graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1947. He was taken Prisoner of War while fighting the enemy in the action that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. He was executed later that day after arguing with a North Korean officer.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korean War)

    Action Date:

    July 16, 1950 – July 16, 1950

    First Lieutenant (Infantry) Henry Tomlinson MacGill (ASN: 0-50808), United States Army, was captured in action on 16 July 1950 and was held as a Prisoner of War until he was executed later that same day.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 16, 1950

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 120 (October 16, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Henry Tomlinson MacGill (ASN: 0-50808), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant MacGill distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Taejon, Korea, on 16 July 1950. Lieutenant MacGill had placed his company in a defensive position on the Kum River line. At dawn on 16 July 1950, the enemy commenced an attack with overwhelming forces that enveloped the right flank of Company C. Lieutenant MacGill, with no regard for his personal safety, repeatedly exposed himself in organizing the defense of his company, in directing the action, and in encouraging his men. He stationed himself in the most exposed and dangerous part of the line and continued to rally his troops through the incessant and severe fighting. By 1300 the situation was extremely grave, and it was apparent that a withdrawal must be made. When ordered to withdraw, Lieutenant MacGill, from his exposed position, gave the order to fire and fall back, but remained in position himself to cover the withdrawal of his unit. By so doing, he was able to save the remainder of his company but sacrificed his chance to escape. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant MacGill on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.