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George Richard McGraw

PFC George R. “Muggsy” McGraw served with Baker Company, 1st Marine Raider Battalion.
He was reported missing after a night landing operation at Rice Anchorage, New Georgia, 5 July 1943.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Branch

Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 384898

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Current Status

Remains Not Recovered

Pursuit Category

The DPAA has not publicized this information.

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

July 2, 1916
at Altoona, PA

Parents

George I. McGraw
Margaret (Lynn) McGraw

Education

Altoona High School

Occupation & Employer

Boilermaker
Pennsylvania Railroad

Service Life

Entered Service

April 26, 1942
at Pittsburgh, PA

Home Of Record

3005 Pine Avenue
Altoona, PA

Next Of Kin

Wife, Mrs. LaRue V. McGraw

Military Specialty

Raider
60mm Mortar

Primary Unit

B/1st Raider Battalion

Campaigns Served

New Georgia

Individual Decorations

Purple Heart

Additional Service Details

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

PFC George R. “Muggsy” McGraw was a mortarman assigned to Company B, 1st Raider Battalion, during the New Georgia campaign.

On 4 July 1943, McGraw boarded the USS Kilty for a high-speed run from Guadalcanal to New Georgia. His battalion was to take part in a nighttime amphibious landing at Rice Anchorage, which required some of the Marines to land in rubber boats towed by landing craft. Rough weather and rain provided cover but made for a dangerous landing. The boat with McGraw’s squad hit a wave and flipped over, dumping the men into the water.

PFC McGraw did not reappear after the accident. His buddies surmised that his heavy pack and the load of mortar ammunition he carried dragged him down until he drowned. Officially listed as missing in action, George McGraw was eventually declared dead on 6 July 1944.

Burial Information or Disposition

None; remains not recovered.

Next Of Kin Address

Address of wife, Mrs. LaRue McGraw.

Location Of Loss

PFC McGraw was lost from a rubber boat in Rice Anchorage (now Harbour).

Related Profiles

Non-recovered personnel of the First Marine Raider Battalion, Enogai operation.
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