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George Henry O'Brien Jr.

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George Henry O'Brien Jr.
NameGeorge Henry O'Brien Jr.
Birth dateSeptember 10, 1926
Death dateMarch 11, 2005
Birth placeFort Worth, Texas
Death placeMidland, Texas
PlaceofburialResthaven Memorial Park, Midland, Texas
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Marine Corps
Serviceyears1944–1946, 1950–1952
RankFirst Lieutenant
Unit3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
BattlesKorean War
AwardsMedal of Honor, Purple Heart

George Henry O'Brien Jr. was a United States Marine Corps officer and a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest award for valor in combat. He earned the decoration for his heroic actions during the Korean War while serving as a platoon leader with the 1st Marine Division near the 38th parallel north. Following his military service, O'Brien returned to his native Texas, where he worked as a petroleum geologist and remained active in veterans' affairs until his death.

Early life and education

George Henry O'Brien Jr. was born on September 10, 1926, in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up in the nearby city of Big Spring, Texas. He attended local schools before enrolling at the Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy, now known as the University of Texas at El Paso. His studies were interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944, serving until 1946. After his initial service, he returned to his education, eventually graduating with a degree in geology.

Military service

O'Brien first served as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy during the final years of World War II. Following the outbreak of the Korean War, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1950. He was assigned to Company H, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, part of the storied 1st Marine Division. His unit saw extensive combat during the intense campaigns along the Korean Peninsula, including actions near the 38th parallel north and the Iron Triangle.

Medal of Honor action

On October 27, 1952, near the 38th parallel north, First Lieutenant O'Brien led his rifle platoon in a daring assault against a heavily fortified Chinese People's Volunteer Army position on Hill 28. Despite being wounded by enemy grenade fragments early in the attack, he refused evacuation and continued to lead his men. He single-handedly charged multiple enemy machine gun nests, eliminating them with grenades and his M1 carbine. His relentless actions inspired his platoon to secure the objective and repel several fierce counterattacks. For this conspicuous gallantry, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a ceremony at the White House on October 27, 1953.

Later life and death

After being discharged from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1952, O'Brien pursued a career as a petroleum geologist in West Texas. He worked for several major oil companies and independent firms in the Permian Basin region, primarily based in Midland, Texas. He remained active in community and veterans' organizations, including the Marine Corps League and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. George Henry O'Brien Jr. died of heart failure on March 11, 2005, in Midland, Texas, and was interred at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Awards and decorations

O'Brien's military awards include the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal for Korea, and the National Defense Service Medal. His Medal of Honor citation specifically highlights his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty" during the battle for Hill 28.

Legacy

O'Brien's legacy is preserved through several dedications in his home state. The Texas Department of Transportation named a stretch of U.S. Highway 87 in Midland County the "George H. O'Brien Jr. Medal of Honor Highway." His story is featured in exhibits at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, and his Medal of Honor is on display at the Museum of the Southwest in Midland, Texas. He is remembered as a symbol of the courage displayed by the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War.

Category:United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients Category:United States Marines in the Korean War Category:People from Fort Worth, Texas Category:1926 births Category:2005 deaths