Memorial

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Pvt Mc Grath Jr. attended Massena High School and worked at an aluminium plant.

He volunteered for the Army of the United States in September 1942 and trained at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Fort Benning, Georgia where he received his paratrooper wings.

He was already a veteran of the African and Sicilian campaigns when he took part at Operation Market-Garden.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal Posthumously for his action on 17 September 1944. The citation cited: For gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 17 September 1944, near ****, Holland. During Company B's attack on the vital bridge immediately after the parachute drop on D-Day, several men were wounded by well concealed enemy. In order that his comrades might bring more effective fire on the enemy, Private Mc Grath moved into the open field alone, thereby drawing heavy enemy fire and enabling his comrades to pick out the enemy positions. During his withdrawal to cover, Private Mc Grath was fatally wounded by a burst of machine gun fire, but not before he personally had wounded two enemy riflemen and wounded another. Private Mc Grath's courageous conduct at the cost of his life aided directly in Company B's seizure of the bridge and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military forces.

Three of his brothers also served.