Located just off the narrow road (on the left hand side traveling from town), in a small clearing at the base of Hill 913 (Quota 913).

The monument is a large local stone about 6 feet high with a brass inscribed plaque attached to the front of it.  

The monument remembers PFC John D. Magrath, Company G, 85^th Infantry Regiment of the 10^th Mountain Division who was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery near this spot for his actions on April14, 1945.  He was killed on this hillside just under Hill 913 (Quota 913).  Bob Dole was also wounded near this spot on April 14, 1945 (See Castel d ‘Aiano Woods – Bob Dole Plaque, for more information.)

A physical fitness facility at Fort Drum, NY is also named in his honor.

The text is written in English and Italian, and the English reads:

COMUNE DI CASTEL d’ AIANO

(Symbol of the city of Castel d’Aiano) (Photo of Magrath) (Symbol of the 10^th 
Mountain Division)

MEDAL OF HONOR

(Inscription of the Medal of Honor)

PFC John D. Magrath

Co G 85^th Infantry, 10^th Mountain Division

KIA 14 April 1945 at Castel d’ Aiano

The President of the United States of America Authorized by an Act of Congress

March 3 1863 has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor

Posthumously to 

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN D. MAGRATH

UNITED STATES ARMY

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life

above and beyond the call of duty.

Private First Class John D. Magrath, United States Army, distinguished himself

in action on 14 April 1945 while serving with Company G, 85^th Infantry

10^th Mountain Division

Private Magrath 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 machinegun. Carrying this enemy weapon across an open field through heavy fire, he neutralized 2 more machinegun 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 machinegun 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.

Castel d’Aiano 30 Maggio 2009

(Castel d’Aiano 30 May 2009)