1st LT. TERENCE M. O'BRIEN
1st Lt. Terence M. O’Brien served in the United States Army with Company C of the 7th Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division. He was killed in action on March 4, 1945, in Germany. On March 22, 1945, Lt. o’Brien was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. His Silver Star citation reads as follows:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Terence M. O'Brien (ASN: 0-1016163), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 7th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 3 March 1945. Lieutenant O'Brien, assigned as a Company Commander, led his company in street fighting in an enemy-held town. Without regard for his own safety he constantly exposed himself to enemy fire as he led his unit. While thus leading the action he was wounded by machine gun fire, but refused to be removed to a place of safety and continued to direct and encourage his men. A short time later the machine gun again opened fire, instantly killing Lieutenant O'Brien. His gallantry in the face of enemy fire and his leadership were an inspiration to members of his company and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.
General Orders: Headquarters, 8th Armored Division, General Orders No. 12 (March 22, 1945).
Source: militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/
Terence Michael O’Brien was born Aug. 25, 1912 to Michael James and Mary Isabell Mohrman O’Brien.
1st Lt. O’Brien is buried in Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands.
Source: abmc.gov; fieldsofhonordatabase
