New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Tuesday, August 12, 1952
Add to My HeroesJames J. McGillion
Patrolman James McGillion was shot when he attempted to break up an argument between two men at 125th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Harlem, while he was walking home.
At approximately 4:00 am, Patrolman McGillion was walking home from work when he encountered two arguing men. Patrolman McGillion tried to stop the argument, at which point one of the men drew a pistol. Patrolman McGillion drew his service weapon but was shot before he could fire. He chased the suspect for about 50 feet before collapsing. The suspect then returned, stole Patrolman McGillion's service weapon, and fled.
Officer McGillion was taken to Knickerbocker Hospital, where he was able to describe the suspects before he was taken in for a 4-hour operation to remove the bullet from near his heart. He did not survive. The suspect was arrested the following day after he shot his girlfriend.
Patrolman McGillion had served with the New York City Police Department for two years and was assigned to the 34th Precinct but was temporarily detailed to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office when he was killed. He was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department Medal of Honor for his actions.
Patrolman McGillion was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 2 years
- Badge 2704
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
- Offender Charged with murder
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsAs a child, my Nana and my mother told me amazing stories about my grandfather. James McGillion was a hero I never met. He served in the US Army Air Corp during WWII, as part of multiple B17 Bomber crews. All total my grandfather flew 33 missions in the European theater. He was awarded Two Silver Stars, Two Bronze Stars, and The Distinguished Fly Cross, during this time.
My mother was 8 years old when he died with a younger sister and brother. His legacy is something I have always strived to live up to.
Until we finally get to meet sir.
Captain William James Biglin
City of Hollywood Fire Rescue / Proud Grandson
August 9, 2022
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