Knoxville-native Troy Alvin McGill, was born July 15, 1914, and served in the United States Army in World War II with Troop G, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.

On March 4, 1944, on Los Negros Island, Admiralty Group, he courageously held his squad's position during an intense, nighttime attack. Sergeant McGill and another soldier were the only ones not wounded from their eight-man squad. McGill ordered the unwounded soldier to retreat. McGill remained and fired his weapon until it no longer functioned, resorting to hand-to-hand combat thereafter. McGill held his position against 105 enemy soldiers, and his actions not only inspired his comrades but also served as a decisive factor in the enemy’s defeat.

McGill posthumously received the Medal of Honor. He is buried in the Knoxville National Cemetery. A section of Interstate 40 in Knoxville is named "Troy A. McGill Memorial Highway.”