James J. McGrath, born 15 Aug 1892 in the Saxonville section of Framingham MA, was the son of James H. & Mary (Mellen) McGrath. His father was an Irish immigrant.
He enlisted in L Company, 9th Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, in April 1917," and was with that outfit at the border." That regiment became part of Co. L., 101st Infantry, 26th Infantry Division
The June 8-July 24th, 1918 edition of the local Framingham News said, among several things that James J. McGrath was the fifth Framingham resident killed in WWI, but the "first and native son born and raised here." The article went on to say that "during a raid on German lines at Rupt De Mad Creek, for which he had volunteered, and was in charge of the liaison runners, he was killed trying to warn others of incoming German shells." The article goes on to say that his officers and fellow soldiers spoke of highly of him.
Source of information: www.findagrave.com
PRIVATE CITIZENS SUPPORTING AMERICA'S HERITAGE
American
War Memorials Overseas, Inc.
War Memorials Overseas, Inc.
McGrath James J.
Name:
James J. McGrath
Rank:
Corporal
Serial Number:
Unit:
101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division
Date of Death:
1918-05-31
State:
Massachusetts
Cemetery:
St. Mihiel American Cem., Thiaucourt, France
Plot:
B
Row:
4
Grave:
25
Decoration:
Comments: