Obituary: John McGrath, 'True Hero,' Father of Firefighter

Editor's Note: The following information about his father, John McGrath, 92, was submitted by Jack McGrath, public information officer and former chief with McGrath called his father a "true hero and a dedicated volunteer."

John “Jack” McGrath, a member of Easy Company whose World War II exploits were made famous by the book and television miniseries “Band of Brothers,” died Tuesday, April 24, 2012 in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. He was 92.

McGrath had a scrapbook entitled “Currahee” or “We Stand Alone Together.” The book, which has the dates July 20, 1942 to July 4, 1945 memorializes the tribulations and triumphs of McGrath’s unit Easy Company 506th Parachute Infantry Company of the 101st Airborne, also known as the “Screaming Eagles.”

Some of the Medals McGrath was awarded include, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Clusters, American Campaign Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars with arrow, and the World War II Victory medal.

 McGrath was also active in his community as a volunteer. He was a life member of Elmwood Park Fire Co 2 for 59 years, serving as chief in 1969-1970. He was also appointed as fire official, retiring in 2010 at the age of 90.

He is survived by his wife Irene of 64 years, his son, Jack, and wife Deborah of Basking Ridge; his son, James, of Seaside Park; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.