LtCol Gilbert M. O'Brien, USAF
Class of 1973
Hometown: Charleston, SC
- O'Brien enlisted in the US Army Air Force during World War II. He earned a commission as an officer and his pilot wings in 1943.
- During the war in Europe, O'Brien shot down 8 German aircraft flying the P-51 Mustang aircraft to become one of the nations select few to be called an 'Ace'! O'Brien saw action over Normandy on D-Day and later saw action in Korea as a bomber pilot in 1950-51. O'Brien was qualified to fly 50 different types of military aircraft. His is military awards include the Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters (2 silver, 1 bronze) and the Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 oak leaf clusters.
- Upon retirement from the USAF after serving during 3 wars, O'Brien enrolled as a Veteran student at The Citadel and completed his degree in 4 years....one year before his son, John, graduated from the Corps of Cadets in 1974! For the record, son Charles graduated,'83.