Navy Federal Credit Union

While in college at Seattle University, Pat Brady initially hated the compulsory ROTC program and was kicked out. Then, realizing he would probably be drafted after graduation he 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 two tours in Vietnam he flew over 2,000 combat missions and evacuated more than 5,000 wounded. He was one of only two men to receive BOTH the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross during the Vietnam War. He retired as a Major General in 1993 after 34 years of service.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    54th Medical Detachment

    Regiment:

    67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade

    Action Date:

    January 6, 1968

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 62 (October 27, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Medical Service Corps, 54th Medical Detachment, 67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, on 6 January 1968. Major Brady, 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 two 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, Major Brady made four flights to this embattled landing zone and successfully rescued all the wounded. On his third mission of the day Major 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, Major Brady was requested to land in an enemy minefield where a platoon of American soldiers was trapped. A mine detonated near his helicopter, wounding two crewmembers and damaging his ship. In spite of this, he managed to fly six severely injured patients to medical aid. Throughout that day Major Brady utilized three helicopters to evacuate a total of 51 seriously wounded men, many of whom would have perished without prompt medical treatment. Major Brady’s bravery was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Medical Service Corps)

    Action Date:

    June 1, 1964

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Medical Service Corps) Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 June 1964. As a Pilot of a helicopter ambulance, Captain Brady displayed professional skill, fortitude, and determination while participating in an aerial medical mission to evacuate several wounded Vietnamese troops from the scene of a vicious battle with the Viet Cong. Although his helicopter was struck by enemy gun fire which wounded the Aircraft Commander, Captain Brady succeeded in landing the helicopter ambulance in the middle of the battlefield. Despite exposure to multiple weapons fire, he bravely remained in this position to assist in the treatment and loading of the wounded. For thirteen hours and into the darkness of night, he repeatedly landed the helicopter in the combat zone to rescue the wounded, administer treatment, and evacuate the casualties. Throughout the hazardous situation he demonstrated sound judgment, indomitable courage, and dedicated devotion to duty. Captain Brady’s heroic conduct and outstanding flying ability are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Medical Service Corps)

    Action Date:

    October 21, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Medical Service Corps) Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Brady distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the night of 21 October 1967 as the Commander of an ambulance helicopter on a mission west of Chu Lai. He volunteered to attempt the rescue of seven seriously wounded soldiers who were trapped in mountainous jungle terrain during one of the most intense storms of the year. Unable to locate the landing zone, Major Brady resumed the search after refueling and was finally guided to the site by flares. As he took off with his first load of casualties, he came under heavy machine gun fire. Flying through the clouds by instruments, he reached the hospital and then returned for the remaining wounded men, successfully evacuating them also. Major Brady then flew through machine gun fire to a second landing site to rescue another unit’s casualties. Major Brady’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Medical Service Corps)

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Medical Service Corps) Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Brady distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 October 1967 as the Aircraft Commander of an ambulance helicopter on a rescue mission near Tam Ky. An airborne unit engaged an enemy force and sustained numerous casualties who urgently required medical evacuation. Three other rescue helicopters had unsuccessfully attempted to extract the wounded. Major Brady nevertheless braved high winds, torrential rains, and zero visibility as he flew his aircraft at a very slow speed and a dangerously low altitude to reach the proposed pickup site. By following streams and trails and hovering sideways to take advantage of the little visibility available, he arrived over the tiny jungle landing zone located on a mountainside. In addition to the totally adverse weather conditions, his ship was also subjected to intense hostile fire in the landing zone. Disregarding all hazards, Major Brady made several trips in and out of the area during both daylight and darkness until all the wounded were evacuated. His determination and courage contributed to saving many lives. Major Brady’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Medical Service Corps)

    Action Date:

    September 29, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Medical Service Corps) Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Brady distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 September 1967 while serving as Aircraft Commander of an ambulance helicopter on a medical evacuation mission near Tam Ky. He was called upon to evacuate nine critically wounded soldiers of a company engaged in a firefight with a large North Vietnamese Army force. Although warned by the Ground Commander that the battle was still raging, Major Brady immediately volunteered to attempt the rescue mission. Hostile fire began raking the unarmed helicopter as it neared the area. Placing the needs of the wounded soldiers on the ground above his own safety, he continued his approach into the confined landing zone. The intense enemy barrage wounded two crew members, and the Ground Commander radioed and advised him to depart in order to save the crew and aircraft. Major Brady instead chose to brave the savage hail of bullets until all the casualties had been loaded aboard. Only then did he skillfully maneuver his crippled helicopter from the battlefield to safety. His courageous efforts were responsible for saving the lives of several fellow soldiers. Major Brady’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Medical Service Corps)

    Action Date:

    July 11 – 12, 1964

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 15 (April 28, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Medical Service Corps) Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Brady distinguished himself by heroic action on 11 – 12 July 1964, in the Republic of Vietnam. On these dates, Captain Brady was serving as Aircraft Commander of a helicopter ambulance, when he received instructions to proceed to the area of Vinh Cheo, where a battle was in progress between units of the Vietnamese Army and the communist Viet Cong. Immediately upon entering the area, Captain Brady’s aircraft became the target of hostile fire. This fire remained constant and deadly throughout the rescue operation which required continuing low-level and low-speed flying in order to locate the wounded. Despite the necessity for hovering while the wounded were loaded, thus exposing himself even more to the hostile fire, Captain Brady repeatedly placed himself in positions of danger, as he made trip after trip into the hostile zone in order to evacuate the wounded soldiers. Throughout the day and well after midnight Captain Brady continued to demonstrate outstanding flying ability, sound judgment and devotion to duty, as he continued to search the battlefield for additional wounded requiring evacuation. His daring, courage and determination under fire permitted the successful rescue of one hundred and eleven wounded soldiers. Captain Brady’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Major General Brady distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service from September 1983 to August 1993, while serving in positions of great responsibility culminating as Deputy Commanding General, SIXTH United States Army and Presidio of San Francisco, California. General Brady excelled at the highest levels of the Army in a wide variety of international and politically sensitive command and staff positions. General Brady’s inspiring leadership, integrity, foresight, and dedication have significantly increased combat readiness and mission effectiveness in all of his assignments. Major General Brady’s distinguished service is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Medical Service Corps)

    Batallion:

    74th Medical Battalion

    Regiment:

    67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade

    Action Date:

    October 2 & 3, 1967

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2733 (June 7, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Medical Service Corps) Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 54th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance), 74th Medical Battalion, 67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade. Major Brady distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 and 3 October 1967 as pilot of an ambulance helicopter on a rescue mission near Tam Ky. A friendly force requested extraction of several seriously wounded soldiers from a mountainous jungle landing zone, and Major Brady volunteered to attempt the rescue although heavy storms had grounded numerous aircraft in the area. Flying by instruments and radar, he arrived in the area of engagement and began a vertical descent into the tight landing zone by the light of flares. Unable to see more than a few feet outside his aircraft, he skillfully maneuvered to the friendly forces, loaded his ship to capacity and quickly flew to the hospital. The storm increased in intensity and made flying extremely hazardous, but he returned to the pickup site and once more attempted to land. As he approached the area, enemy forces directed devastating machine gun and automatic weapons fire at him. Completely disregarding his personal welfare, he flew low over the area for forty-five minutes before he located the friendly forces. Guiding himself by the flashes of the enemy weapons, he flew into the landing zone through a curtain of fire and loaded eight patients. He quickly flew the patients to the hospital, and once more returned to pick up the remaining casualties and carry them to safety. His fearless actions were responsible for the rapid and successful evacuation of several wounded fellow soldiers. Major Brady’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Medical Service Corps)

    Action Date:

    January 18, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Medical Service Corps) Patrick Henry Brady (ASN: 0-88015), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Brady distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 January 1968 as Aircraft Commander of an ambulance helicopter on a rescue mission west of Tam Ky. The pickup site was in mountainous jungle terrain blanketed by thick ground fog and friendly forces were in heavy contact with an enemy unit directly adjacent to the landing zone. Because visibility out the windshield was zero, Major Brady was forced to direct his ship sideways through the fog so he could see out his side window. As he began to close on the wounded, he was forced to turn on his landing light. This made his ship an excellent target, and it began receiving intense enemy fire. Disregarding his personal safety, Major Brady continued his approach. He landed in an area which, minutes before, had received ten direct hits from mortar fire. Remaining calm, he waited as the wounded were loaded under fire and then skillfully flew through the fog to a hospital. Major Brady’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.