FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Patrick Henry Brady ~ March 16, 2009

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

Patrick Henry Brady
All info and photos from this website.

Brady attended O'Dea High School in Seattle, Washington, a strict, all boys school run by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, where he was active in sports.

While in college at Seattle University, he initially hated the compulsory ROTC program and was kicked out. Brady realized he would probably be drafted after graduation reentered the ROTC to enter the service as an officer. After graduation he was commissioned a 2d Lieutenant in the Army Medical Service Corps in 1959.

During his first tour in Vietnam, then Captain Brady served with the 57th Medical Detachment, where his commanding officer was the legendary Major Charles Kelly. After Kelly's death on July 1, 1964, Brady took command of the 57th Medical's Detachment A in Soc Trang. On his second tour, Brady, now a major, commanded the 54th Medical Detachment. It was during this tour that Brady earned his Medal of Honor.

During his two tours in Vietnam Brady evacuated 5000 wounded. After Vietnam Brady continued in the army, retiring as a Major General in 1993 after 34 years of service. He now serves as Chairman of the Citizens Flag Alliance, an organization dedicated to protecting the American flag from desecration.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army, Medical Service Corps, 54th Medical Detachment, 67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade.

Place and date: Near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, January 6, 1968.

Entered service at: Seattle, Wash.

Born: October 1, 1936, Philip, S. Dak.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Maj. Brady distinguished himself while serving in the Republic of Vietnam commanding a UH-1H ambulance helicopter, volunteered to rescue wounded men from a site in enemy held territory which was reported to be heavily defended and to be blanketed by fog. To reach the site he descended through heavy fog and smoke and hovered slowly along a valley trail, turning his ship sideward to blow away the fog with the backwash from his rotor blades. Despite the unchallenged, close-range enemy fire, he found the dangerously small site, where he successfully landed and evacuated 2 badly wounded South Vietnamese soldiers. He was then called to another area completely covered by dense fog where American casualties lay only 50 meters from the enemy. Two aircraft had previously been shot down and others had made unsuccessful attempts to reach this site earlier in the day. With unmatched skill and extraordinary courage, Maj. Brady made 4 flights to this embattled landing zone and successfully rescued all the wounded. On his third mission of the day Maj. Brady once again landed at a site surrounded by the enemy. The friendly ground force, pinned down by enemy fire, had been unable to reach and secure the landing zone. Although his aircraft had been badly damaged and his controls partially shot away during his initial entry into this area, he returned minutes later and rescued the remaining injured. Shortly thereafter, obtaining a replacement aircraft, Maj. Brady was requested to land in an enemy minefield where a platoon of American soldiers was trapped. A mine detonated near his helicopter, wounding 2 crewmembers and damaging his ship. In spite of this, he managed to fly 6 severely injured patients to medical aid. Throughout that day Maj. Brady utilized 3 helicopters to evacuate a total of 51 seriously wounded men, many of whom would have perished without prompt medical treatment. Maj. Brady's bravery was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families. This is a politics-free zone! Thanks for helping us in our mission!

LOL.. much like that only different.

61 posted on 03/15/2009 6:56:56 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)

Tazilla and company.

How are things out west, Sandy?

62 posted on 03/15/2009 6:57:43 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)

To: ConorMacNessa

Hiya Conor dear....doing well here & hope you are the same.

Kinda wishin’ the weekend was one day longer!:) *Hugs*

63 posted on 03/15/2009 6:58:02 PM PDT by AZamericonnie

Some days hanging around is the best thing to do.

Howz the kitties.

64 posted on 03/15/2009 6:58:28 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)

To: TASMANIANRED

My daffodils are just now getting ready to bloom - a couple of my Ice Follies have already broken and my crocuses and miniature iris are in bloom - the roses have broken leaf - so I guess Spring has started here. :)

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

65 posted on 03/15/2009 6:59:14 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)

To: AZamericonnie

Next week, I get a weekend..not sure I can actually wait that long.

66 posted on 03/15/2009 6:59:32 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)

To: AZamericonnie

Thanks, AZ, for the red, white, and blue tribute. Hope you had a nice weekend. ((HUGS))

67 posted on 03/15/2009 7:00:04 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)

To: TASMANIANRED; MeekMom

That’s exactly what it is!:)

This week I have more catchup than weekend.

68 posted on 03/15/2009 7:00:14 PM PDT by AZamericonnie

To: AZamericonnie

We need to codify the four day work-week and make every weekend a three day affair!

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

69 posted on 03/15/2009 7:01:56 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)

To: ConorMacNessa

I love the spring blooms..

There is hope that winter has returned to Canada.

70 posted on 03/15/2009 7:03:02 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)

To: AZamericonnie

I started spring cleaning last week.. Tackled a couple of closets and made myself a mountain of laundry.

I want to do some reorgainzing in the basement too.. about a month of work.

71 posted on 03/15/2009 7:04:40 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)

To: Kathy in Alaska

Good evening Ma. A fine weekend though I wish I had another day.

Couldn't everyone though?

I would sure relish a long leisurely drive up to the high desert & a scant hike/picnic.

How about you?

A good weekend? Family all doing well?*Hugs*

72 posted on 03/15/2009 7:05:00 PM PDT by AZamericonnie

To: TASMANIANRED

It looks good here so far.

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

73 posted on 03/15/2009 7:05:02 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)

To: ConorMacNessa

I already do a 4 day work...but weekends still only come twice a month.

74 posted on 03/15/2009 7:05:18 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)

To: ConorMacNessa

Most excellent.

Got pictures?

75 posted on 03/15/2009 7:06:18 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED (TAZ:Untamed, Unpredictable, Uninhibited.)

To: TASMANIANRED

How does that happen?

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

76 posted on 03/15/2009 7:06:48 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)

To: TASMANIANRED

We startd the spring cleaning last week at both home & work.

So hope it won’t last til next spring!:)

77 posted on 03/15/2009 7:07:52 PM PDT by AZamericonnie

To: TASMANIANRED

Sorry - I don't have any pics - I try to get some in the next few days.

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

78 posted on 03/15/2009 7:08:52 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)

To: AZamericonnie; SandRat

Last month’s Arizona Highways - featured a hike along the Agua Fria east of Sunset Point - great short walk down to the river and opportunity for a picnic...

Just gotta watch out for Jake.

79 posted on 03/15/2009 7:10:38 PM PDT by NanaJ (HJ on Nana'a Laptop)

To: ConorMacNessa

80 posted on 03/15/2009 7:12:10 PM PDT by AZamericonnie

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