Patrick Henry Brady facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Henry Brady
|
|
|---|---|
Brady in 1989
|
|
| Born | October 1, 1936 Philip, South Dakota |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1959–1993 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit | 54th Medical Detachment |
| Commands held | Detachment "A," 57th Medical Detachment 326th Medical Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
|
| Spouse(s) | Nancy Brady |
Patrick Henry Brady, born on October 1, 1936, is a retired United States Army major general. He is famous for his bravery as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. For his amazing actions, he received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for courage in the U.S. military.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Patrick Brady grew up in Seattle, Washington. He went to O'Dea High School, an all-boys school. While there, he was very active in sports.
Later, he attended Seattle University. At first, he didn't like the required military training program called Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). He even got kicked out! However, he soon realized he would likely be called to join the military after college. To become an officer instead of an enlisted soldier, he rejoined the ROTC program.
Military Career
After graduating from college, Patrick Brady became a second lieutenant in the Army Medical Service Corps in March 1959. He began his active duty in April. His first assignment was in West Berlin, Germany, from 1959 to 1961.
In December 1963, he finished flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Soon after, in January 1964, he was sent to Vietnam.
First Tour in Vietnam
During his first time in Vietnam, from 1964 to 1965, Captain Brady was a "Dust Off" pilot. This special name was given to pilots who flew medical evacuation helicopters. Their job was to fly into dangerous areas to rescue wounded soldiers. He was part of the 57th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance).
His commanding officer, Major Charles L. Kelly, was known for his fearless flying. After Major Kelly was killed in action, Captain Brady took over his unit. The very next day, a commander asked Brady if they would stop flying so bravely. Brady picked up the bullet that killed Kelly and said they would keep flying exactly as Kelly taught them: "without hesitation, anytime, anywhere."
Second Tour and Medal of Honor
Brady returned to Vietnam for a second tour from 1967 to 1968. By this time, he was a major and second-in-command of the 54th Medical Detachment. It was during this tour that he earned the Medal of Honor.
Throughout his two tours, Major Brady flew more than 2,000 combat missions. He helped evacuate over 5,000 wounded soldiers, bringing them to safety.
Patrick Brady retired from the U.S. Army on September 1, 1993. He served his country for 34 years and reached the rank of major general.
Awards and Honors
Major General Patrick Brady received many awards for his courage and service. The most notable is the Medal of Honor.
His military awards include:
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Army Distinguished Service Medal (with one oak leaf cluster)
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross (with five oak leaf clusters)
- Bronze Star Medal (with "V" Device and one oak leaf cluster)
- Purple Heart
- Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters)
- Air Medal (with "V" Device and award numeral 52)
- Army Commendation Medal (with one oak leaf cluster)
- Army of Occupation Medal (with 'Germany' clasp)
- National Defense Service Medal (with one service star)
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (with one service star)
- Vietnam Service Medal (with one silver campaign star)
- Korea Defense Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Army Overseas Service Ribbon (with award numeral 5)
- Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with Palm and silver star)
- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
He also earned several badges:
- Master Army Aviator Badge
- Expert Marksmanship Badge (with rifle and pistol bars)
- Air Assault Badge
 |
|||||
  |
|||||
  |
 |
 |
|||
  |
  |
 |
|||
 |
   |
 |
|||
 |
  |
 |
|||
  |
 |
 |
|||
 |
  |
 |
|||
  |
 |
 |
