Thomas McDonough enlisted  in the Royal Engineers 17 October 1939 aged 22. He was transferred to the Royal Artillery and volunteered for the Commandos. Awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service with No.4 Commando in the combined attack on Dieppe. Finished his military service in the Worcester Regiment.

Gunner McDonough fired no less than 60 rounds with the Anti-Tank Rifle at the Flak Towers (Pincer and Pieface). Each time he fired the Anti-Tank rifle heavy fire was immediately brought to bear on the flash from the muzzle of the rifle. McDonough repeatedly changed his position and continued to engage the enemy, each time incurring heavy enemy fire. He scored a great number of hits and his endurance (after 10 rounds of an Anti-Tank Rifle the average man becomes giddy) was quite phenomenal.