Eugene Edward McGrath was born in Watsonville on March 25, 1923, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. McGrath, who resided in the Pajaro Valley. He was the oldest of the couple's three sons Eugene, Thomas and James. McGrath spent his formative years in the valley, attended local schools and was graduated from Watsonville High School in 1941. In high school he became a member of DeMolay, a Masonic youth organization and after graduation, he was employed locally as a welder.

Eugene McGrath reported to the Presidio at Monterey and was inducted into the US Army on May 13, 1944. After completing basic and specialized training in July 1944, he was sent overseas where he joined an unidentified unit in Germany.

Private Eugene Edward McGrath was killed in action at an unspecified location on April 21, 1945. His remains were later returned to Watsonville and reinterred in the Pajaro Valley Memorial Park.

(CBR; NARA2; WRP May 14, 1945 1:2)