DEATH OF MARTIN J O’BRIEN
It
is my extremely sad duty to report the death of my friend, Martin J "Marty" O’Brien, a constant
friend, advisor, and patriot. He has always been an outstanding member of the Korean War Veterans
Association, and one of the Nation’s most qualified and dedicated experts on the battle casualties
and MIA/POW of the Korean War. He died in the hospital at Augusta, Maine, June 28th, 2006 from heart
attacks and heart complications.
Marty O’Brien, LR12697, was a proud veteran of the Korean War and his service with the 1st Cavalry
Division. He was a founder and past president of the Corporal Clair Goodblood, MOH, Chapter 79.
He had been closely associated with former National Secretary Oreste “Rusty” Tramonte, LR05500 in
establishing numerous KWVA chapters in the Northeast.
Marty was the member who coined the phrase appearing at the top of KWVA.org Web pages and at
the bottom of the official KWVA letterhead, “Korean War and Korea Service Veterans – A Continuity
of Service in the Defense of Freedom,” first suggesting it to me in 2003 when I was asked to
run for President.
I recently selected Marty for a Presidential Member of the Year Award. At that time I
wrote: Mr. O’Brien developed a MIA-POW activity which is professional and respected in the veteran
community. He also led the KWVA efforts seeking the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor for Chaplain
Emil J Kapuan, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, who died as a POW in North Korea. O’Brien
also was a leader for the KWVA in supporting legislation for award of the Purple Heart to all who
died as POW from World War II forward. Earlier in his career his research helped the Department
of Defense and the American Battle Monuments Commission to update their respective casualty data
bases. He is a recognized authority in the areas of casualties, KIA, MIA, and POW. In addition Mr.
O’Brien has served the President extensively in special tasks, editorial duties, and trouble shooting
various situations. He is also a member of the Ethics and Grievance Committee of the KWVA.
There is no position or task within the KWVA that I would not have heartily recommended Marty
to carry out. He declined several positions due to his inability to travel feeling it a privilege
and responsibility to place the care of his wife and their home ahead of any travel.
Those of us in leadership often note that there is no irreplaceable man—in the case of Martin
J O’Brien, LR12697, Korea veteran and proud KWVA member we have to make an exception. He is irreplaceable
to his family, to his associates, and to America.
Day is done, gone the sun, from the hills, from the lake, from the skies. All is well, safely
rest, God is nigh.
Fades the light; and afar goeth day, and the stars shineth bright, fare thee well; day has gone,
night is on.
National President, KWVA/USA