Henry Tomlinson MacGill
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

In July 1950, First Lieutenant Henry Tomlinson MacGill was Commanding Officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in Korea.

On 16 July, 1LT MacGill's unit was engaged with enemy forces in the vicinity of Taejon, Korea. 1LT MacGill had placed his Company in a defensive position on the Kum River line and, at dawn, the enemy commenced an attack with overwhelming forces that enveloped the right flank of Company C. 1LT MacGill 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, 1LT MacGill, from his exposed position, gave the order to fire and fall back, but he remained in position to cover the withdrawal of his unit. By doing this he was able to save the remainder of his Company, but sacrificed his chance to escape. His selfless actions earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

He was taken Prisoner of War while fighting the enemy on 16 July 1950 and was executed later that day after arguing with a North Korean officer.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Prisoner of War Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation:

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.

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

Burial

First Lieutenant Henry Tomlinson MacGill is buried at Cross Creek Cemetery #3 in Fayetteville, NC.

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