John David Magrath ★ World War II Gold Star Veteran from Connecticut
On April 14, 1945 Private First Class Magrath was declared a casualty of World War II. ★ He served with honor in the United States Army. ★ He is remembered by the people of Connecticut. ★ May his positive example inspire us. Working together towards peace, mutual respect, and equality for all.
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Our displayed data concerning the life and military history of John David Magrath is a work in progress. We've assembled a list of elements we are in the process of researching and reviewing. This profile was last edited on 2015-09-13 09:14:57.
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Service Details
This Profile ID | 323270 |
Service ID | 31326858 |
Name | John David Magrath |
From | East Norwalk, Fairfield County, Connecticut |
Birth Date | July 4, 1924 |
Casualty Date | April 14, 1945 |
War | World War II |
Service Branch | Army |
Rank | Private First Class |
Specialty | Infantryman |
Unit/Group | Company G, 2nd Battalion, 85th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division |
Casualty Type | Killed in action |
Location | Castel d'Aiano, Italy |
Burial | Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk, Fairfield County, Connecticut |
Notable Awards |
★ Medal of Honor
★ Purple Heart |
Additional Details
Magrath was born in the East Norwalk section of Norwalk, Connecticut on July 4, 1924. He enlisted in the Army from East Norwalk in March 1943.
He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Italy. His citation reads:
He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty when his company was pinned down by heavy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, near Castel d'Aiano, Italy. Volunteering to act as a scout, armed with only a rifle, he charged headlong into withering fire, killing 2 Germans and wounding 3 in order to capture a machine-gun
Carrying this enemy weapon across an open field through heavy fire, he neutralized 2 more machinegun nests; he then circled behind 4 other Germans, killing them with a burst as they were firing on his company. Spotting another dangerous enemy position to this right, he knelt with the machinegun in his arms and exchanged fire with the Germans until he had killed 2 and wounded 3.
The enemy now poured increased mortar and artillery fire on the company's newly won position. Pfc. Magrath fearlessly volunteered again to brave the shelling in order to collect a report of casualties. Heroically carrying out this task, he made the supreme sacrifice .. a climax to the valor and courage that are in keeping with highest traditions of the military service. |
Commendations + Awards
Please note this might not be a complete or completely accurate accounting. For some awards we use probability factors based on known service details. Thanks for your understanding.
★ Medal of Honor
★ World War II Victory Medal
★ Combat Infantryman Badge
★ Purple Heart
★ Marksmanship Badge
★ American Campaign Medal
★ Army Presidential Unit Citation
★ Army Good Conduct Medal
★ European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign
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