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.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 384898
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.
Memorials
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).