During an enemy attack on that day, on Los Negros in the Admiralty Islands, he held his ground against the numerically superior force.
Sergeant McGill's official Medal of Honor citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy at Los Negros Island, Admiralty Group, on 4 March 1944.
McGill, with a squad of 8 men, occupied a revetment which bore the brunt of a furious attack by approximately 200 drink-crazed enemy troops.
Although covered by crossfire from machine-guns on the right and left flank he could receive no support from the remainder of our troops stationed at his rear.
McGill's intrepid stand was an inspiration to his comrades and a decisive factor in the defeat of a fanatical enemy.