Brian Joseph O'Callaghan First Lieutenant C CO, 1ST BN, 69TH ARM RGT, 4 INF DIV Army of the United States 30 June 1945 - 16 January 1970 Alexandria, Virginia Panel 14W Line 039

 

27 Nov 2001 REMEMBERED ACROSS THE YEARS Brian was a great guy -- tremendously fun and bright and full of life. He was the second oldest of five children, and the oldest boy. He met his wife Ginger while they were both in different colleges (he was at University of Virginia) and they married when he graduated. He had joined ROTC and was sent to Vietnam. He died trying to protect his men. We all loved him tremendously and still miss him tremendously. From his sister, Kate O'Callaghan Halcrow E-mail address is not available. Brian and Ginger O'Callaghan on their wedding day. Brian O'Callaghan TC 439. The following AWARD is announced posthumously:       O'CALLAGHAN BRIAN J. FIRST LIEUTENANT ARMOR United States Army,       Co C, 1st Bn, 69th Armor, 4th Inf Div, APO 96262 Awarded: Silver Star Date action: 8 January 1970 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress. Reason: For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant O'Callaghan distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, lst Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Infantry Division. On 8 January 1970, Company C was conducting an assault of Hill 564 northwest of Landing Zone Scheuller when Lieutenant O'Callaghan's platoon came under heavy fire from anti-tank rockets, mortars, and small arms. When one of his tanks was immobilized and the safety of its crew jeopardized, Lieutenant O'Callaghan maneuvered his vehicle into a fighting support position to shield and protect the disabled vehicle. As Lieutenant O'Callaghan was effecting emergency recovery procedures, his vehicle received a direct hit, seriously wounding him. Refusing medical attention, Lieutenant O'Callaghan remained with the disabled vehicle until it was moved to safety, and continued to direct operations and engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded. First Lieutenant O'Callaghan's extraordinary courage, determination and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. For the Commander: Joseph E. McCarthy, Colonel, GS Chief of Staff

 

27 May 2005 God bless you, Brian. Chuck's brother Terry told me you were shot and died, I could not believe it. This was NOT supposed to happen to you. I was back and I just figured it would be a matter of time until we all came home. Reading that citation you received for your actions I can almost see you saying, "Hell no, I'm not going to stop while these SOBs are still firing at my men and me! ". You always were a secret fighter, Brian, and that is one of the reasons I always respected you and wanted to ensure you were going to be one of our group when we went out at night. You had so much to give, Brian, and you had just gotten married to that cute girl, Ginger. Brian , you are always in my prayers. From a good friend, Michael Cahill 10516 S Talman Ave Chicago Il 60655 mfcahill67@comcast.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor, lost three men as a result of actions on 08 Jan 1970: 1LT Joseph M. Lauinger, Tulsa, OK, HQ Company 1LT Brian J. O'Callaghan, Alexandria, VA, C Company, (DoW 01/16/1970) (Silver Star) SGT Willard W. Croy, Gainesville, GA, HQ Company

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