 |
| Cpl. Walter McGaff (shown in the photo with sister or fiancé, served with the 1st Armored Division in Italy. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120274815/walter-j-mcgaff/photo https://www.pinterest.com/pin/410179478558723809/ |
Walter J. McGaff never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on October 17, 1919 in Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents James and Mary were also both born in Ohio. His father worked as a tank company boiler maker. Walter had two older brothers and four older sisters. By 1940 Walter had completed four years of high school. He was living with his parents and worked as a chauffeur. His fiancé's name was Dorothy Raming.
He was drafted into the army on December 2, 1941. Walter became a corporal in Company B, 751st Tank Battalion, 1st Armored Division. The 1st Armored first engaged the enemy in North Africa in November 1942. It fought the Germans across Algeria and Tunisia. It was next part of the invasion of the Italian mainland at Salerno in September 1943.
On November 9, 1943, Cpl. McGaff's tank was advancing near Mignano Italy when it hit a mine. Everyone in the tank, including Cpl. McGaff, was killed.
His grave is at St. Joseph New Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Last year on this date I profiled B-26 bombardier William Williamson. You can read about William here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
Thank you Cpl. Mcgaff and your Family for your sacrifice! You were a member of the Greatest Generation that fought for our continued freedom. I am sorry that your family had to continue their lives without you!!! God Bless You and your loving Family!
ReplyDeleteA branch on the Mcgaff family tree that never had a chance to grow...just like 400,000 other branches...
ReplyDeleteThank you for profiling my uncle Walter. Has always been my hero.
ReplyDeleteDo you want to add his story to www.storiesbehindthestars.org so anyone visiting his gravesite can scan his name and read his story? Email me at don@storiesbehindthestars.org to get the details.
Delete