"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 machine gun 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 machine gun 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."
From Private First Class Magrath's official Medal of Honor citation, awarded on July 17, 1946.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
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