Second Lieutenant McCormick was the pilot of a AT-6D Mosquito observation aircraft with the 6148th Tactical Air Control Squadron, 6147 Tactical Air Control Group. On 22 August 1950, his aircraft encountered poor weather conditions and crashed into Sobuk San Mountain, South Korea.

For his leadership and valor, Second Lieutenant Mc Cormick was awarded the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, the Pilot Aviation Badge, the Distinguished Unit Citation, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.