Grouping Leon C. Weiser

First Lieutenant Robert F. McGonagle

First Lieutenant
Robert F. McGonagle

First Lieutenant Robert F. McGonagle

Robert Francis McGonagle was born on July 11, 1919, in Columbus, Ohio. He was a graduate of Junction City (Ohio) High School.

Robert F. McGonagle, entered the U.S. Army in July of 1942. Lt. McGonagle served with the 83rd Hq Company as company commander during their time in the ETO. Before the 83rd crossed the Channel into Normandy he was assigned to Hq SBS from June 13 to 24, 1944. Until March 1945 he served as Executive Officer for the 83rd Hq Company. On 2 March 1945, he received a promotion to Captain and as a result was assigned as the Company commander for Hq Company. Captain McGonagle would serve in this capacity for about three months. While in Vilshofen, Germany on occupation duty he was transferred to the 99th Division Hq to rotate home. He was eventually honorably discharged on 21 November 1945. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service and the Purple Heart Medal. He was a veteran of all five campaigns of the 83rd.

After WW2, Robert McGonagle joined the Army Reserves eventually rising to the rank of Colonel. At the moment of his death he held command of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 83rd Reserves in Ohio. He was chief of the Surplus Commodities Division of the State Welfare Department. Col. Robert F. McGonagle, 45, died on September 17, 1964 in University Hospital, Columbus at 8:15 a.m. of injuries received when his car struck a cement retaining wall about two hours earlier. He was never married. Surviving was his mother Alice McGonagle.