John Milton McGrath

John Milton McGrath was a First Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. Born in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the fourth child of Frances and T Walter McGrath. In 1943, at the age of 19, John joined the Army Air Corps and underwent training before being assigned to the 49th Bomb Wing, 461st Bomb Group, 15th Air Force.

As a skilled navigator, John flew 35 combat missions over Europe, including dangerous missions to the Ploesti Oil Fields, in the B-24 Liberator. His missions took him to France, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Yugoslavia, and Austria. Throughout his service, John demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill, earning him the Air Medal, 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, and 4 Battle Stars.

John was one of five brothers who served their country during World War II. His brothers Mac, Jim, Dick, and Dave also answered the call to duty. Mac served as a navigator and radar officer, Jim as a pilot, Dick as a Navy aircrew radioman, and Dave served in the army. Tragically, three weeks after VJ Day, John's brother Mac lost his life in a B-29 crash in the Marshall Islands, and his body was never recovered.

In December 1945, John had a heartwarming reunion with his brother Jim while stationed in Italy. They met at the plane, and the photographer captured their emotional reunion, symbolizing the strong bond of brotherhood shared by the McGrath family. 

After the war, John married Mary Regina Lindh in 1947, and they went on to have four children. Sadly, Mary passed away in 1986, followed by John's own death in 1990. John's legacy lives on through his grandson, Major Sean C. Sasso, who currently serves as an aviation instructor in the US Marine Corps at MCAS Miramar.

John Milton McGrath's unwavering dedication and sacrifices, along with those of his brothers, exemplify the spirit of service and heroism displayed by the brave men and women who defended their country during World War II. We honor their memory and their profound contribution to the nation's history.