THOMAS P. MCGRATH, LCDR, USN

LCDR Thomas McGrath, USN '40 in the Lucky Bag: "From the sands of Arizona "Tiny" came to the Navy ready for a scrap. Generally as gentle as a St. Bernard, nothing suits him better on the gridiron than a fight. Tom is ambitious in both athletics and academics. Plebe year it was shadow boxing his roommate, the "Shadow;" second class year, playing with a sixteen pound ball. Tiny is kind-hearted, generous, and always ready to render aid to his classmates. Claiming he is always losing weight, he diets on four desserts. A regulation fellow, well-liked, and respected by all, the Navy has in him no better material for a leader, an officer, and a gentleman."

He was the Regimental Commander for both the 2nd and 3rd sets.

Initially stationed aboard USS California (BB 44), sometime after April 1941 he transitioned into the submarine service.

He was lost when USS Pompano (SS 181) was sunk, likely on September 17, 1943, possibly by a mine north of the Japanese islands. Thomas was the boat's executive officer, and was awarded the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action" during the boat's three war patrols.

Thomas was survived by his parents.

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