Veteran of the Day – March 7, 2026
Major General Patrick H. Brady
United States Army | Medal of Honor | Vietnam War
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Name: Patrick Henry Brady
Rank: Major General
Branch: United States Army
Unit: U.S. Army Aviation – Dustoff Medical Evacuation
Born: October 4, 1936 – Philip, South Dakota
Early Life
Patrick Henry Brady grew up in the small plains town of Philip, South Dakota. From an early age he developed a strong sense of discipline and service, eventually enrolling in Seattle University, where he participated in the ROTC program.
After graduating, Brady was commissioned into the United States Army and soon trained as a helicopter pilot — a skill that would place him at the center of some of the most dangerous missions of the Vietnam War.
Vietnam War Service
During the Vietnam War, Brady served as a Dustoff helicopter pilot, flying medical evacuation missions that saved wounded soldiers from the battlefield.
These missions were among the most dangerous in the war. Helicopter pilots often flew into:
• active firefights
• heavy enemy machine gun fire
• mountainous terrain and dense jungle
• dangerous weather conditions
Patrick Brady distinguished himself through extraordinary courage.
On January 6, 1968, during one of the most remarkable rescue operations of the war, Brady flew multiple evacuation missions through heavy fog and enemy fire to reach wounded soldiers trapped on the battlefield.
Despite intense enemy fire and nearly impossible weather conditions, he successfully evacuated dozens of wounded troops.
Medal of Honor
For his extraordinary heroism and dedication to saving lives, Patrick Brady was awarded the Medal of Honor.
During his Vietnam service he:
• flew over 2,500 combat missions
• evacuated more than 5,000 wounded soldiers
Countless lives were saved because he refused to leave the battlefield when others needed help.
Continued Service
After Vietnam, Brady continued his distinguished career in the United States Army, eventually rising to the rank of Major General.
He became a leader in Army Aviation and medical evacuation doctrine, helping shape the future of battlefield rescue operations. As of early 2026, he is 89 years old, lives in retirement.
Final Tribute
Major General Patrick H. Brady represents the best of the American fighting spirit.
Instead of seeking glory in battle, he risked his life again and again to save the lives of others.
Thousands of soldiers who returned home from Vietnam did so because a Dustoff helicopter appeared in the sky.
Often, that helicopter was flown by Patrick Brady.
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