WWII VETERAN PETER O’BRIEN RECEIVES WAR MEDALS THROUGH EFFORTS OF CONGRESSMAN GIBSON AND SENATOR AMEDORE

 World War II veteran Peter O’ Brien was today presented medals he earned during his years of service in the United States Navy, but never received upon his separation from the Navy in 1946.

The medals were presented to Third Class Petty Officer O’Brien at a Veteran’s Day assembly at the Windham-Ashland-Jewett High School on Tuesday by Veterans George Christian, Jr. and Kathy Fallon of Congressman Gibson’s Kingston office and Senator George Amedore. The office of Congressman Gibson and Senator Amedore worked together at the request of Mr. O’Brien’s family to obtain the medals.  

The commendations include the American Theatre Medal, the Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal. In addition, Senator Amedore presented Third Class Petty Office O’Brien with the New York State Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Senate for his outstanding service to our nation.

“Having served in the Army for most of my adult life, I want to thank the teachers and administrators at the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District for their longstanding commitment to our veterans,” said Congressman Gibson. “This program is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to connect with and learn from veterans like Peter O’Brien, who made extraordinary sacrifices in defense of our cherished way of life. My staff includes several veterans, and we are proud to partner with Senator Amedore to ensure that the men and women who serve our nation in uniform receive the recognition and care they deserve.”

“The brave men and women who make the sacrifice to wear our nation’s uniform and serve our country deserve our respect and gratitude, and it is truly an honor to work alongside Congressman Chris Gibson to recognize Third Class Petty Officer O’Brien and present him with these medals that he so bravely earned during his military service,” said Senator Amedore. “I’m so glad after all these years, Mr. O’Brien and his family have these medals to properly pay tribute to his exemplary service and honor the sacrifices he has made for all of us.”

Peter O’Brien was born in East Jewett on August 8th, 1926 and entered into military service on 1944, the day before his 18th birthday. He completed basic training at the Naval Training Station Sampson, New York and then attended thirteen weeks of Basic Engineering and Diesel School in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Mr. O’Brien’s first assignment was to the TADCEN (Temporary Assigned Duty Center) in Shoemaker, CA. TAD Centers assigned Reserve personnel where needed to support the active duty forces, including landing and small craft engine maintenance. He was assisting with repairs to the USS Kidd (DD-661) when it was damaged by Japanese kamikaze aircraft, and was assigned to minesweeper USS YMS-200 to clear mines near Hiroshima and Kure Japan.

Third Petty Office was honorably discharged as a Motor Machinist Mate Third Class Petty Office (MMoMM3) on June 15th, 1946. He returned to East Jewett and completed high school at Hunter-Tannersville High School and went on to earn an two year electrical degree at the New York Agriculture and Technical Institute in Canton New York (now SUNY Canton) using the GI bill.

After a short stint working in New Britain, CT for two years, Peter O’Brien returned to take an electrician position in Windham, eventually taking over the business. Along with his wife Joy, Peter raised five children – Joy’s son “Bud”, and Peter Jr., Eileen, Michael, and Kathleen.

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