Navy Federal Credit Union

Thomas McGrath graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1940.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pompano (SS-181)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01623 (July 11, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Thomas Patrick McGrath (NSN: 0-85072), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as First Lieutenant and Damage Control Officer of the U.S.S. POMPANO (SS-181) during three successive and aggressive War Patrols of that Submarine during World War II, which resulted in the sinking of an important amount of enemy shipping. On the occasion of a surface engagement with a 900-ton armed enemy patrol vessel he manned a machine gun in an exposed station and in the face of heavy enemy machine gun fire maintained an accurate and effective fire from the gun which directly contributed to the total destruction and sinking of that enemy ship. His conduct throughout these three patrols was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.