Thomas Buchanan Mcguire, Jr.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Major (Air Corps) Thomas Buchanan McGuire, Jr. (ASN: 0-437031), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the 475th Fighter Group, Fifth Air Force, in action over Luzon, Philippine Islands, 25 and 26 December 1944. Voluntarily, Major McGuire 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 three 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 three 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 one aircraft, parried the attack of four enemy fighters, one of which he shot down, single-handedly engaged three more Japanese, destroying one, 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, Major McGuire set an inspiring example in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas Buchanan McGuire, Jr. (0-437031), Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in December 1943, during air missions in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. During the period from 7 December to 26 December, Major McGuire shot down a total of TEN enemy aircraft. Major McGuire’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.