Honoring Service: Fallen Veteran Paul M. McGrath, Vietnam

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Paul McGrath lived in Rye and served during the Vietnam War.

Date of Birth: 5 Aug 1944
Died On: 7 Jun 1968 (aged 23) Quảng Trị, Vietnam
Street Address: Park Drive North                                        Branch of Service: U.S. Marine Corps

2nd Lieut. Paul M. McGrath was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McGrath who resided on Park Drive North. Paul was a graduate of Villanova University, Villanova, PA. Paul enlisted in the Marines shortly after his graduation on August 22, 1966. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in June 1967 after completing Officer’s Candidate Course, at Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Va. He had been selected from the enlisted ranks of the Marine Corps and underwent a ten-week course which covered three major areas: leadership, physical fitness, and academics.

We are not sure when Second Lieutenant McGrath went to Vietnam. On June 7, 1968 while leading his men he was killed by Small Arms Fire in Province: Military Region 1 – Quang Nam* His body was recovered by his men and sent home.

“Funeral services for Lt Paul M McGrath United State Marine Corps who was killed in action with the Third Marine Division Vietnam June 7 will be held at The Church of Resurrection in Rye He was the 23-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McGrath Park Drive North. The body was returned to the family yesterday. A Requiem Mass will be offered at the church tomorrow at 10 am. The celebrant will be the Rev Patrick Moore a close friend of the family. Lt McGrath received a BA degree at Villanova University In 1966 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in June 1967”

The Daily Item
Port Chester, New York
17 Jun 1968, Mon • Page 13

*Vietnam War Military Casualties, 1956-1998