McKinley Warth was born on December 10, 1935, in Ohio. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on December 11, 1952, and completed basic training at Sampson AFB, New York, in February 1953. After completing Engine Mechanic Tech School at Sheppard AFB, Texas, Sgt Warth served as a C-119 Flying Boxcar engine mechanic with the 29th Troop Carrier Squadron at Mitchel AFB, New York, and then at Sewart AFB, Tennessee, from July 1953 to June 1955. His next assignment was as a C-119 engine mechanic and flight engineer with the 779th Troop Carrier Squadron at Sewart AFB and then Pope AFB, North Carolina, from June 1955 until he left active duty on December 6, 1956. Sgt Warth returned to active duty on January 29, 1957, and then served as a flight engineer with the 58th Air Division at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, from January 1957 to April 1958, followed by service as a C-118 Liftmaster maintenance technician with the 5040th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Group at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, from April 1958 to May 1961. SSgt Warth served as a C-118 maintenance technician and Crew Chief with the 1611th Organizational Maintenance Squadron at McGuire AFB, New Jersey, from May 1961 to May 1963, and then attended the Electronic Digital Computer Technician Course at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, from June 1963 to May 1964. TSgt Warth next served as an Electronic Computer Technician with the 4627th Support Squadron at Custer AFS, Michigan, from May 1964 to October 1965, followed by service as an Electronic Computer Technician and Deficiency Analysis Technician with the 3380th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Keesler AFB from October 1965 to March 1971. MSgt Warth served as an Electronic Computer Technician and as NCOIC of the AN/GSA-51 Seek Dawn Computer Maintenance Section with the 620th Tactical Control Squadron at Monkey Mountain, South Vietnam, from March to December 1971. His final assignment was as an Electronic Computer Technician with the 3380th Maintenance and Supply Group at Keesler AFB from December 1971 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 1973.

His Bronze Star Medal Citation reads:

Master Sergeant McKinley F. Warth distinguished himself by meritorious service as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of AN/GSA-51 Seek Dawn Computer Maintenance Section, while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force at 620th Tactical Control Squadron, Son Tra Air Base, Monkey Mountain, Republic of Vietnam from 3 March 1971 to 22 December 1971. During this period, while exposed to extreme danger from hostile fire and mortar attack, Sergeant Warth consistently demonstrated professionalism, sound judgement and great enthusiasm in overcoming the many involved problems associated with his duties. His superb performance assisted materially in the success of the United States effort in Southeast Asia. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Warth in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.