He was raised in Denver, Colorado, and Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated from Northeast High School.
McFall worked on the staff of the Appropriations Committee until World War II when he joined the United States Navy, serving as a Commander.
McFall finally succeeded in joining the United States Foreign Service in 1947.
On September 10, 1954, the United States legation in Helsinki was upgraded to an embassy, and McFall became a full Ambassador.
In retirement, he served as a member of the board of governors of the Washington Institute of Foreign Affairs.