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Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps, 13th Air Force.
Place and Date:
Over Luzon, Philippine Islands, 2526 December 1944.
Entered service at:
Sebring, Fla.. Birth: Ridgewood, N.J. G.O. No.: 24, 7 March 1946. Citation:
He fought with conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity over Luzon, Philippine
Islands. Voluntarily, he led a squadron of 15 P-38's as top cover for heavy
bombers striking Mabalacat Airdrome, where his formation was attacked by
20 aggressive Japanese fighters. In the ensuing action he repeatedly flew
to the aid of embattled comrades, driving off enemy assaults while himself
under attack and at times outnumbered 3 to 1, and even after his guns jammed,
continuing the fight by forcing a hostile plane into his wingman's line
of fire. Before he started back to his base he had shot down 3 Zeros. The
next day he again volunteered to lead escort fighters on a mission to strongly
defended Clark Field. During the resultant engagement he again exposed
himself to attacks so that he might rescue a crippled bomber. In rapid
succession he shot down 1 aircraft, parried the attack of 4 enemy fighters,
1 of which he shot down, single-handedly engaged 3 more Japanese, destroying
1, and then shot down still another, his 38th victory in aerial combat.
On 7 January 1945, while leading a voluntary fighter sweep over Los Negros
Island, he risked an extremely hazardous maneuver at low altitude in an
attempt to save a fellow flyer from attack, crashed, and was reported missing
in action. With gallant initiative, deep and unselfish concern for the
safety of others, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy at all
costs, Maj. McGuire set an inspiring example in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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