George H. O'Brien Jr.
George H. O'Brien Jr.
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George O'Brien Obituary
He was born September 10, 1926 to George H. O'Brien, Sr., and Della Cartwright O'Brien in Fort Worth, Texas. George was raised and educated in Big Spring, Texas. He later attended Texas Tech University where he graduated with a B.S. in Geology. George proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War receiving the Medal of Honor in 1952 for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced). On July 28, 1979 he married Sandra Rogers Holland in Lubbock, Texas. His memberships include the Medal of Honor Society, AAPG and the Marine Scholarship.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
George is survived by his wife, Sandra O'Brien of Midland, TX; daughter, Terrye O'Brien of Austin, TX; sons, Mike O'Brien and his wife, Susan, of Midland, TX; Robb O'Brien of Fort Worth, TX; Dick Holland and his wife, Jody, of Midland, TX; daughter, Ann Daugherty and her husband, Mark, of Alpine, TX; daughter, Dorothy Stillwell and her husband, Frank, of Dallas, TX; brother, Joe O'Brien and his wife Edith of Fairfax, VA; and numerous grandchildren.
Memorial services have been scheduled for 3:00 P.M. Monday, March 14, 2005 at First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home.
Memorials may be directed to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 3008, Princeton, NJ 08543-3008.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
His Congressional Medal of Honor on the Yorkstown
Ed Houser
March 15, 2005
George was a wonderful friend and a true American hero. I took these in the late nineties at the Yorkstown in Charleston SC
Beth Rodgers Murphy
March 15, 2005
As the anniversary of the Iwo Jima flag-raising drew near, I re-read the citations of many of the Medal of Honor recipients from all battles...Mr. O'Brien's was one I read. I am not a Marine but I am a Marine wife and historian. My gratitude goes out to Mr. O'Brien for the sacrifices he made for our country and to his family, I wish peace.
Beth Rodgers Murphy
Paul Shaffer
March 14, 2005
Truly the most unforgetable friend and "big brother" type that I have ever known. Worked with him at Texas Electric, Big Spring summer of '50. Was not the least surprised upon learning of his being awarded the MEDAL. All of us who knew him will truly miss him, even though we didn't get to see him much. Our very best to you, Sandy, and family.
Jim Stepp
March 14, 2005
I just heard from Louie Pelosi about George. Please accept my sympathy. I was happy to have had the opportunity to meet with George and you at the National Cemetary in Riverside. George was a great man. Sincerely, Jim Stepp
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Kevin Stanford
March 14, 2005
The Last Patrol
I am saddened by the loss of George O’Brien. He was a longtime friend to my late stepfather Roger Canter and to me as well.
I first met George in the summer of 1975. He and Roger were playing dominos at Roger’s house on Maxwell. I had just graduated from Lee High and someone asked me what I was going to do next. George chimed in, “why don’t you join the Marines!”
George was persistent for many years on recruiting me into his beloved Marine Corp. And while I did not join the Marines I later joined the Army National Guard in the late 1980’s and served in a Long Range Recon Patrol (LRRP). Many years later George would say to me, “Well, I couldn’t get you into the Marines, but I am proud that you served your country.”
I had a vision of George entering heaven: St. Peter is there to greet him and motions him into the Heavenly Gates. George speaks up, “Reporting for duty Sir!” St. Peter smiles and responds, “Your tour of duty is over, you may rest now my son. From now on you will walk in Forests of Azure. You will live in the mansion prepared for you by Heavenly Father for this is your last patrol.”
I have no doubt that Roger and George are playing dominoes in Heaven. They spent many hours drinking cocktails, playing dominoes, talking, telling jokes, and discussing politics. George always loved to tell a good joke as much as he liked hearing one.
Dear George, our hearts are broken by your passing, but our lives are enriched for knowing you. I feel so blessed that you were a great friend to my late stepfather Roger Canter who loved you very much. It is with much sadness that I say goodbye old friend. Godspeed to you on this, your last patrol.
Kevin Stanford
Spec 4, 31-Charlie
Shari Hamilton
March 14, 2005
Mike, to you and your family - I am sorry for your loss. Although I never got to meet your Dad, he is a hero who's memory will last forever.
It is rare to have a member of your family honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor. I know he must of been a remarkable person. Peace be with you.
Lou & Rita Pelosi
March 14, 2005
In loving remembrance of my friend and fellow Marine. His name
will be removed from "Roll Call" but
never forgotten. To Sandra and George's families our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Semper Fi,
Lou
JUDY HASLEY NORMAN
March 14, 2005
To Sandra and children: My deepest sympathy in the loss of our precious George. He has been a devoted friend and supporter of our entire family and we will miss him. God bless you and may he bring peace to you. Yours sincerely, Judy Hasley Norman
Clayton Hubbard
March 13, 2005
I hope he went peacefully. Sorry I cannot be there.
Paige Cooper
March 13, 2005
Papa,
I was truly blessed to have been given a grandfather as wonderful as you were, I have lost the greatest hero of my life. I hope I can share what you have taught me with your great-grandchildren, and they will appreciate you as much as I do. You will be missed every day of the rest of my life.Until we meet again. Paige
Bob Dillard
March 13, 2005
Very sorry to hear of your loss Mike. My regards and sympathy to you and your family.
Kristofer White
March 13, 2005
I had the honored priviledge of visiting with Maj. O'brian one on one before joining the Marine Corps myself back in 1990. I served in both Gulf wars and must say that in times of trial and hardship during those times I wondered on many occasions if I was performing to the standards that Maj O'brian set for his Marines. I hope I would have done him proud.
As the Marines' Hymn says, the streets of Heaven are guarded by United States Marines. As you walk those streets of gold sir, I want to thank you for the profound impact you have made on one young man's life. I look forward to seeing you again one day when we can guard those golden streets together.
Semper Fi sir.
Bonnie McLen
March 13, 2005
You have my deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow. I knew him through business associates and admired the integrity he showed in everthing he did. He was such a wonderful person and he will be missed by many.
;Bill Slater
March 13, 2005
Wish our friendship could have been closer, but I treasure the too limited one we shared.
Thanks to George for his presence for all of us.
/s/ Bill Slater
Suzanne Scism Hildebrand
March 13, 2005
I extend my sympathy to George's family. He is truly an American hero, a Midland oilman true to the breed and a overall kind man.
Marie Puryear
March 13, 2005
Popa, I love you. You are my hero.
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