McDermond was approximately 22 years old, and a private in the 47th (the Lancashire) Regiment of Foot, British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 5 November 1854 at the Battle of Inkerman, Crimea, Private McDermond and Captain Hugh Rowlands saved the life of a Colonel William O'Grady Haly who was lying wounded on the ground surrounded by the enemy.

[1][2] There is a painting depicting this event hung in the Queen's Lancashire Regiment Museum at Fulwood Barracks, Preston.

According to his service record John McDermod was from Clackmannan and was discharged due to injury.

It is thought a Victoria Cross medal (missing the suspender bar and ribbon) found by Tobias Neto in the mud of the river Thames in December 2015 could be that of John McDermond or John Byrne - the medal having the date of 5 November 1854 engraved on the reverse.