Walter A. McGrath was born on September 8, 1920, in New York. He was the son of Helen Rita Miller McGrath.

Walter served in the 849th Bomber Squadron, 490th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a First Lieutenant and Pilot on the B-17 #43-38132 "Old Patch" during World War II. He was Killed in Action on January 10, 1945, when his plane was shot down by flak during a mission over Cologne, Germany. Of the crew members, five were killed in the crash, and four were taken as prisoners.

1Lt McGrath is now buried in the Mount Carmel Cemetery, Tenafly, Bergen County, New Jersey, USA.

B-17 #43-38132 crew:
1Lt Walter McGrath - Pilot (KIA)
1Lt Ellington Wiltshire - Co-Pilot (KIA)
2Lt Daniel Shapiro - Bombardier (POW)
TSgt Melvin Chambers - Top Turret Gunner (POW)
TSgt Shirley Elliott - Radio Operator (KIA)
SSgt Richard Lynde - Ball Turret Gunner (POW)
SSgt Gordon Pugh - Tail Gunner (KIA)
SSgt Martin Silva - Left Waist Gunner (KIA)
SSgt Perry Walker - Bombardier, enlisted, Nose Gunner (POW)