Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

1st Parachute Squadron RE, 1st Airborne Division, BritishArmy

Awarded on:

February 20th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

""For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy from 17 September 1944 to 22 September 1944, during the battle of Arnhem, Belgium. Captain McKay, with a detachment of Royal Engineers which he commanded, successfully reached the North end of the main road bridge at Arnhem late on 17 September 1944. In spite of constant enemy attacks, the detachment held out for four days until the survivors were eventually overcome, rounded-up and taken into Germany by the enemy. Captain McKay, with another officer and two sappers, escaped within twenty-four hours, and on 22 September 1944, at Nijmegen, they got in touch with the British troops and reported to 30 Corps much valuable information. Throughout the entire action, Captain McKay displayed the greatest personal courage."

Headquarters: European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 18