He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during a June 7, 1968 firefight near Kontum in South Vietnam, during Operation MacArthur.

Private First Class McDonald's official Medal of Honor citation reads:[2] For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

While on a combat mission his platoon came under heavy barrage of automatic weapons fire from a well concealed company-size enemy force.

McDonald crawled through intense fire to destroy with a grenade an enemy automatic weapon threatening the safety of the evacuation.

McDonald's gallantry at the risk of his life which resulted in the saving of the lives of his comrades, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.