Harry O’Beirne (83), who passed away on 15 February, lived a full life as an American who was immensely proud of his Irish roots.
Harry was born in Dublin on August 16, 1937, and immigrated to the US in 1958, enlisted in the US Air Force shortly afterwards.
He attended the US Army Paratrooper School, the US Navy Underwater Swimmers School, Mountain Survival School and the Jungle Survival School leading him to be a member of the Air Force Pararescue Field. In total, Harry participated in 359 rescue combat missions, being awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses with V Device.
His exploits inspired a movie on the pararescue team by Samuel L. Jackson and Peter Fonda.
Sad news today on the passing of Lt Col Harry O'Beirne in the US. Born in Dublin. True war hero was a Parajumper in Vietnam with USAF. His units story was portrayed in the movie The Last Full Measure. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/nKV7XdrgJU
— Gerard Duff (@gerardduff25) February 15, 2022
In 1967, Harry enrolled in the University of Alabama Nurse Anesthetist School where he met his wife-to-be Tommie. They were to go on to enjoy 55 years of married life. He remained in the military for another 22 years. In 1990, he was activated for Desert Storm and later retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1997.
Throughout his life, Harry was an active member of the community while also being a truly devoted family man. It was the joy of his life to bring his family to Ireland to meet their relatives and learn more about their heritage.
Harry was a proud Irish man and a charter member of the Father Trecy Division of the AOH installed in 2011. For the past 20 years, he bravely battled Parkinson's Disease
Said co-founder Michael Bollinger of Huntsville, AL: "Harry was always being present at meetings to offer current events from family and friends in Ireland he spoke with frequently. He would always be part of the AOH official photograph for the Huntsville St. Patrick’s Day parade. But, once the picture was taken, he quickly changed to be part of his on-going family unit that has marched in the parade since the beginning when there were only 18 people and his family made up 5 of them. Harry marched in the parade for all but two years of the 45 years of the parade - missing only when he was deployed as part of Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991.
"Harry was an incredible man and a funny man albeit our division’s consistent dissenting vote because as he told me as the President at the time – no one should always get their way. I and many more were honored to have spent time with him as a true model for all in how to approach life – leave it better than when you came and with fond memories to strengthen others on the path ahead in times of sorrow."
