Luta Mae ‘Cornie’ McGrath, oldest female veteran, dies at age 108
Luta Mae Cornelius McGrath, who served as a former WAC officer in World War II, died peacefully at age 108 in
her home in Annandale April 14. Known as “Cornie,” she lived for decades in the
Sleepy Hollow Woods community.
her home in Annandale April 14. Known as “Cornie,” she lived for decades in the
Sleepy Hollow Woods community.
At the time of her death, the former lieutenant colonel was the oldest
female veteran and the oldest female Army officer, states an obituary in the
Washington Post. The funeral is scheduled for Friday, April 22, 11 a.m., at
Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Alexandria.
female veteran and the oldest female Army officer, states an obituary in the
Washington Post. The funeral is scheduled for Friday, April 22, 11 a.m., at
Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Alexandria.
Originally from Beattyville, Ky., McGrath enlisted in the
U.S. Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corps in 1934 and was commissioned into the Women’s
Army Corps in 1943. She served in Germany where she was responsible for
stockpiling ammunition for the Berlin Airlift. She met her husband, Thomas
McGrath, during an assignment at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
After retiring from the Army, Cornie
worked for the Women in Community Service project and served on the executive board
of the Ordnance Corps Ladies Association. In her later years, she was a featured speaker
and honored guest at veterans’ gatherings.When the Annandale Blogger met her on her 107th birthday, she was leading an active social life and had many friends in the neighborhood.
worked for the Women in Community Service project and served on the executive board
of the Ordnance Corps Ladies Association. In her later years, she was a featured speaker
and honored guest at veterans’ gatherings.When the Annandale Blogger met her on her 107th birthday, she was leading an active social life and had many friends in the neighborhood.
A salute to Lt. Col. McGrath and all the women like her who have served and are serving their country with honor and distinction.
Rest in peace, Lieutenant.