United States of America
U.S. Army · United States United States

Harry J. McDonald

Died July 22, 1929

Harry J. McDonald served in the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Officer Harry McDonald was shot and killed by two brothers he had just arrested while he attempted to find a call box. He had arrested the two near 17th Street and Q Street, NW, for suspicion of burglary of a drugstore. After the arrest had placed the men in the front seat of his squad car without handcuffing them. As he exited the squad car to locate the call box one of the suspects opened fire, fatally wounding Officer McDonald. He was able to return fire and kill one of the suspects. The second suspect was convicted of Officer McDonald's murder and sentenced to death. He was executed on May 6, 1932. Officer McDonald was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI. He had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for seven years and was assigned to the Third Precinct. He was survived by his wife and three children. He was buried at Fort Lincoln Cemetery.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Metropolitan Police Department
Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 23W · Line 13 cut as HARRY J MCDONALD
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Officer McDonald gave the Metropolitan Police Department 7 years.

Thank you for your service to the Washington community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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