Bernard John McGuirl was born on July 28, 1897 in Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I as a Corporal in the 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry "Yankee" Division. He died on October 23, 1918 and is now buried in Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial, Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, Departement de la Meuse, Lorraine, France. He was awarded the D.S.C. For extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, 23 Oct., 1918. While leading a squad of ammunition carriers he was severely wounded. After a tourniquet had been applied to his wounds he ordered the second in command to continue with the work, refusing the aid of his comrades until their mission had been completed. While on his way to a hospital he died of his wounds.